With a Target on $25,000,000, Max Verstappen Downplays Overshadowing Sebastian Vettel

Max Verstappen appeared on the Mind Set Win podcast, where he fielded questions about surpassing Sebastian Vettel’s records. Though, Max responded with his usual nonchalance. He answered, “I just want to do the best I can every single time I’m in the car. And if that means that you break a record, I mean ok, great, but it’s more important what you’re doing and what you’re achieving, and at the end of the day, the goal is just to win the championship.”

Seeing Max be down-to-earth regarding breaking records, while he’s on the verge of cementing his legacy, is commendable. Especially when considering that most of his peers would be on cloud 9 about breaking records. But one must not forget that when a driver wins a championship, he also receives a bonus. And in Max’s case, that estimated amount is a staggering $25 million!

Formula 1 boasts a substantial prize pot, exceeding $900 million, distributed among constructors based on their standings. The drivers do not directly receive prize money. Instead, they receive compensation through the mode of salaries paid by their respective teams.

The team that ends up winning the constructors’ championship simply earns the most amount of prize money amongst every team. This is why this championship is so detrimental for top teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren. Max Verstappen, being the no.1 driver of his team clearly, understands this concept. This also ends up being important for him in continuously contributing to Red Bull’s success.

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Formula 1’s financial lure

In a sport where careers are usually short, Formula 1 offers talent, determination, and substantial rewards. The cut-throat nature of Formula 1 requires unique driver contracts with performance-related bonuses. In F1, careers are short, emphasizing the need to maximize earnings on the track. This financial incentive system is evident in the momentous journey of Max Verstappen.

His victory at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix catapulted his annual salary from approximately $23.92 million to a staggering $38.44 million! This financial incentive clearly reflects the value of winning the championship.

But the allure of financial rewards in Formula 1 extends beyond just the drivers. It embraces the collective spirit of teamwork that thrives within the high-pressure environment of the sport. The winning team’s staff receives a substantial bonus, underlining the teamwork and collaborative spirit in Formula 1. Moreover, they also play a vital role for every team member in achieving track success, emphasizing the collaborative nature of F1.

Max’s estimated $25 million bonus for a championship win underscores the financial rewards in this sport. Yet his approach to Formula 1 is clear, showing his primary focus being on winning the championship. While the prospect of breaking Sebastian Vettel’s records is enticing, it takes a backseat to his endgame.

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