Max Verstappen had been leading the world championship since the inception of the current ground effect era in 2022.

Key Takeaways Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen makes millions from F1. Verstappen has an estimated net worth of $200 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.Verstappen was the highest-paid F1 driver in 2024,

When the lights go out Sunday at the Australian Grand Prix to begin the 2025 Formula 1 season, defending F1 Drivers’ Champion Max Verstappen will start third, behind perhaps two of his biggest challengers in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The four-time champion, despite qualifying third on Saturday, is not expecting any “miracles” on Sunday.