Last updated: 12/11/2025

The 2025 F 1 season isn’t only about who’s fastest, it’s also about who’s earning the biggest paycheck. The 2025 F1 driver salaries reveal a clear gap between the sport’s elite champions, solid midfielders, and ambitious rookies. From Verstappen’s record contract to newcomers making their mark, here’s a full breakdown of Formula 1 driver earnings this season.

Note: All 2025 F1 driver salaries listed below are based on reputable reports and industry estimates. Exact figures are not publicly disclosed, so these numbers remain as informed rumours

Top Earners in 2025 Formula 1

The top drivers still dominate the salary list, with uncapped pay allowing the sport’s biggest stars to negotiate massive deals.

• Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – around $65 million per year, including win and title bonuses.
• Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – roughly $60 million, boosted by brand partnerships and appearance fees.
• Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – about $34 million, reflecting his long-term commitment to Ferrari.
• Lando Norris (McLaren) – near $25 million, now one of the sport’s top-paid young stars.
• Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – approximately $20 million, still commanding big money late in his career.
• George Russell (Mercedes) – around $15 million, establishing himself as Mercedes’ senior driver.

Verstappen’s mega-deal keeps him at the top, while Hamilton’s move to Ferrari ensures his salary remains enormous. Both combine performance with global marketability – the ultimate Formula 1 earnings formula.

Midfield Earners and Consistent Performers

The midfield is where 2025 F1 driver earnings start to vary widely. Proven drivers secure multi-million deals, while others depend on results-based bonuses.

• Carlos Sainz (Williams) – roughly $10 million, reflecting his strong reputation and experience.
• Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – also $10 million, French driver in a French organization with rapid speed.
• Alex Albon (Williams) – about $8 million, one of the best value drivers in the field.
• Esteban Ocon (Alpine) – near $7 million, rewarded for consistency and experience.
• Nico Hülkenberg (Kick Sauber) – about $7 million, one of the most reliable and experienced drivers on the grid.
• Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – about $6 million, an emerging star driver whose numbers will be on the rise in the near future.
• Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – around $3 million, supported by team ownership ties.

These salaries reflect both performance and positioning. Teams like Aston Martin and Williams rely on consistent scorers, while Sainz’s recent standout drives make his salary look like a bargain.

Rookies and Lower-End Salaries

At the lower end of the 2025 Formula 1 driver salaries are the rookies and younger drivers still proving themselves. Their salaries may seem small compared to the top names, but they often come with high potential and sponsorship backing.

• Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – roughly $2 million, the rising long- term driver for Mercedes.
• Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – around $2 million, a modest but improved contract for his experience.
• Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber) – near $2 million, one of the most rookies on the grid.
• Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – near $1.9 million, great contract for the Islander.
• Oliver Bearman (Haas) – around $1 million, an impressive start for the Ferrari-backed rookie.
• Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – near $1 million, fantastic results, one of the best value drivers on the 2025 grid.
• Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – near $500k, the lowest paid driver on the grid.

These drivers may not earn much yet, but Formula 1 history shows fortunes can change fast, just ask Lando Norris or George Russell, who started on low pay and now earn tens of millions.

How Formula 1 Driver Earnings Are Structured

F1 drivers don’t just rely on their team salaries. Their total income is a mix of base pay, bonuses, and personal sponsorships. A typical Formula 1 driver earnings package includes:

• Base salary: Guaranteed pay from the team, often split monthly.
• Performance bonuses: Extra money for wins, podiums, or points finishes.
• Championship bonuses: Paid if the driver wins titles or helps the team secure the Constructors’ Championship.
• Sponsorship and endorsements: Personal deals with major brands like Puma, Monster, or Tag Heuer.
• Image rights: Payments for using the driver’s likeness in advertising and official team merchandise.

For stars like Verstappen or Hamilton, endorsements and bonuses can easily double their total annual earnings.

Do F1 Salaries Reflect Performance?

In theory, yes, but not always. The 2025 F1 driver salaries reflect more than just raw pace. Experience, fan following, and commercial value all influence pay.

• Verstappen and Hamilton earn big because they deliver results and global recognition.

• Norris and Leclerc are next in line thanks to consistent podiums and brand appeal.

• Rookies like Bearman and Hadjar are paid less but carry future promise.

Sometimes a driver’s contract is about potential as much as performance. A consistent midfield driver who brings sponsorship money can be just as valuable as a fast rookie.

The Impact of the Budget Cap

F1’s cost cap doesn’t apply to driver salaries or top management – meaning big teams can still spend freely on talent. Smaller outfits like Racing Bulls or Haas must balance performance with financial limitations.

There’s ongoing debate about whether the sport should introduce a driver salary cap. Some argue it would make F1 fairer, while others say it would hurt star power and deter top talent. For now, teams are free to pay whatever they can afford.

Best Value Drivers in 2025

Looking purely at salary versus performance, a few drivers stand out as great value:

• Andrea Kimi Antonelli: Reliable driver who has shown great promise, regularly fighting for the top 5 spots.

• Oscar Piastri: Championship contender and relatively low salary make him one of the smartest signings.

• Isack Hadjar: Rookie who is outperforming his car regularly and proving worth far beyond his pay.

They may not be the highest-paid, but in terms of results per dollar, they deliver exceptional return on investment.

Conclusion: Speed, Skill, and Star Power Pay

The 2025 F1 driver salaries tell the story of a sport driven by both performance and personality. From Verstappen’s dominance to Norris’s rise, Formula 1 continues to reward not just results but global marketability.

While the gap between the top and bottom remains huge, every driver on the grid shares one thing – they’ve earned their spot in one of the most competitive and lucrative sports on Earth.

Related reading: Power of Sponorships in Formula 1

Related reading: How F1 Teams Make Money: Explained Simply

FAQ: 2025 F1 Driver Salaries

Who is the highest-paid F1 driver in 2025?
Max Verstappen, with around $65 million per year including bonuses.

How much does Lewis Hamilton earn at Ferrari?
Roughly $60 million, boosted by sponsorships and image rights.

Do rookies earn less in Formula 1?
Yes. New drivers like Bearman and Hadjar earn around $1 million.

Is there a salary cap in F1?
No. The budget cap doesn’t limit driver or management pay.

Who offers the best value for money in 2025?
Oscar Piastri, Isack Hadjar and Andrea Kimi Antonelli provide standout results for modest salaries.