Verstappen stays ahead of Hamilton as world's highest-paid driver

In terms of his income, Lewis Hamilton has nothing to complain about at Mercedes. The Brit might not be getting the same success he used to get on track, but he is still in the list of the top 20 highest-paid athletes in the world. Though he is behind a certain Max Verstappen.

Business magazine Forbes publishes an annual list of the fifty highest-paid athletes in the world. Last year, Verstappen was at number 22; this year, he has moved up five places and is 17th on the list. This makes him the highest-paid racing driver in the world.

Verstappen's earnings are estimated at $81 million, including $76 million from his contract with Red Bull Racing and another $5 million from sponsorship deals. He leaves Hamilton behind: the Mercedes driver is 21st on the list with an estimated income of $69 million, including $57 million from his contract and $12 million from sponsorship deals.

Cristiano Ronaldo, with an estimated income of $260 million, is number one on the list. He is followed by professional golfer Jon Rahm, with an income of $218 million. Number three is Lionel Messi, with an estimated income of $135 million.