Superlicense for 'Checo' and Verstappen: Why Red Bull drivers will pay more to race?
As the Formula 1 season nears its end, drivers must pay for their Superlicense based on points accumulated in the previous year, with Max Verstappen expected to have the highest fees due to his record performance.
As the 2023 Formula 1 season approaches its conclusion, preparations for the 2024 season are already underway, highlighting the financial implications for drivers regarding Superlicence fees. Each driver is required to pay a Superlicence fee that includes a fixed portion and a variable component based on points accrued during the previous season. This cost primarily falls on the teams, which means the amounts reported reflect the financial obligations of the racing teams rather than the individual drivers themselves.
Max Verstappen, currently the World Champion and a prominent driver for Red Bull Racing, is poised to face the most significant Superlicence fee of all drivers due to his outstanding performance last season. He has accumulated a total of 549 points, thanks to 18 victories and 20 podium finishes throughout the season. Based on information from Bianca Garloff from Auto Bild, the maximum fee for Verstappen regarding the 2023 season is projected to be substantial, with a base of 10,400 euros along with an additional variable fee for each point earned.
The financial structure of the Superlicence reflects not only the success of the drivers but also the responsibilities of the teams in the highly competitive environment of Formula 1. This scenario underscores how performance directly translates into financial obligations, contributing to the wider narrative of the sport's commercial landscape and the economic stakes involved in securing championship titles annually.