F1 Driver Salaries 2025: Who’s Earning the Most This Season?
The roar of engines, the thrill of victory, and the intense rivalries are just part of what makes Formula 1 so captivating. Another fascinating aspect for fans and analysts is the salaries of F1 drivers, which highlight the enormous value these athletes bring to the sport. The 2025 season continues this trend, with staggering figures showcasing just how much teams are investing in their drivers’ talent and expertise.
But what exactly determines these multimillion-dollar paychecks? Factors like on-track performance, championship standings, and lucrative sponsorship deals all play a role. Team budgets also heavily influence driver salaries, with wealthier teams able to offer bigger contracts. These salaries are not just about speed but the overall impact a driver has on the team’s success and brand value.
Breaking Down the Top Earners
Discover who’s making the most money and why. A quick look at the factors driving their success.
Max Verstappen Dominating On and Off the Track
Salary: $70 million
It’s no surprise that Max Verstappen remains at the top of the pay scale in 2025. With multiple world championships under his belt, Verstappen’s dominance on the track continues to translate into massive earnings. His aggressive driving style and relentless pursuit of victory have not only made him a fan favorite but also cemented his status as Red Bull Racing’s undisputed leader.
Beyond salary, Max’s marketability has skyrocketed, with sponsors eager to associate their brands with a driver of his caliber. Whether it’s his lucrative endorsement deals or additional performance bonuses, Verstappen is the epitome of a modern F1 superstar.
Lewis Hamilton A Legacy Worth Millions
Salary: $55 million
Even in 2025, Lewis Hamilton remains one of the most bankable stars in the entire F1 ecosystem. A seven-time world champion and global icon, Hamilton’s earnings combine his enduring skill on the track with his unparalleled brand appeal.
Hamilton’s reach extends well beyond the racing world. With endorsements in fashion, environmental advocacy, and even music, brands know that partnering with him guarantees global visibility. His $55 million salary from Mercedes underscores the fact that Hamilton is not just a driver; he’s an institution.
Fernando Alonso Experience Meets Performance
Salary: $30 million
Fernando Alonso proves age is just a number in F1. At 43, the Spanish legend remains a key player for Aston Martin, delivering consistent results and bringing invaluable mentorship to the team. His $30 million salary reflects his ability to elevate the performance of his car while providing the team with credibility and leadership.
Alonso’s career longevity, paired with his exceptional experience, makes him one of the sport’s most respected figures and a significant asset to any team.
The Mid-Range Salaries Rising Stars and Dependable Performers
Discover how mid-range salaries attract top talent. Learn why these employees are key to consistent growth and innovation.
Lando Norris McLaren’s Crown Jewel
Salary: $20 million
Lando Norris has become the face of McLaren’s resurgence in recent years. Now earning $20 million, Norris is viewed as one of the brightest young stars in the paddock. His impressive on-track performances, coupled with his charisma off the track, make him highly marketable and an integral part of McLaren’s ambitions.
Charles Leclerc Ferrari’s Lead Driver
Salary: $18 million
Charles Leclerc continues to carry Ferrari’s hopes in their pursuit of championship glory. At $18 million, his salary underscores Ferrari’s confidence in his ability to lead the team. Perennially competitive and deeply connected to Ferrari’s passionate fan base, Leclerc symbolizes the future of the Scuderia.
Others in the Competitive $8 Million Bracket
- George Russell (Mercedes): Still delivering consistency and potential for a long-term competitive edge.
- Sergio Pérez (Red Bull Racing): A solid contributor to Red Bull, his experience complements Verstappen’s dominance.
- Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari): A steady performer who provides essential consistency for Ferrari’s broader strategy.
Drivers in the Lower Salary Bracket Balancing Potential and Experience
Explore how drivers with lower salaries bring valuable potential and growing experience. Striking the right balance can make a big difference.
F1’s grid isn’t just about top-dollar negotiations. Teams with lesser budgets or developing drivers are equally interesting to watch.
- Valtteri Bottas (Sauber): $5 million. Bringing experience to a developing Sauber team.
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren): $3 million. A rookie with plenty of promise.
- Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon (Alpine): Both earning $2 million, demonstrating the team’s equal focus on performance.
- Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenberg (Haas): Earning $1 million each, these veterans provide stability to Haas’ lineup.
- Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull Junior Team): $1 million and a shot at rebuilding his career.
- Yuki Tsunoda (RB): $750,000. A modest income but packed with potential for growth.
Drivers in teams like Williams, Aston Martin, and Sauber fall within this range, balancing tight financial constraints with early-career opportunities for emerging drivers.
Key Salary Trends and Influences in F1 2025
Explore the latest factors shaping salaries in F1 for 2025. Discover how trends are impacting teams and drivers alike.
Performance-Based Incentives
Many F1 driver salaries now include performance-based bonuses, rewarding wins, podium finishes, or exceeding team goals. For example, Verstappen’s $70 million likely includes significant victory-based incentives.
Sponsor Deals and Endorsements
The ability to attract sponsors plays a huge role in driver earnings. Hamilton and Verstappen regularly bring in multimillion-dollar deals that outpace their base salaries.
Team Budgets and Financial Health
Team budgets directly dictate salary negotiations. For instance, Williams and Haas operate on tighter budgets compared to Red Bull or Mercedes, which limits their ability to offer competitive salaries.
Formula 1 Race Track Art Prints and Posters
Are you a dedicated motorsport enthusiast looking to bring the thrill of Formula 1 into your space? Discover our exclusive collection of Formula 1 race track art prints that do more than decorate your walls—they capture the speed, precision, and adrenaline of the world's greatest circuits. Each race track poster is inspired by real circuit layouts, serving as a tribute to the skill, strategy, and history that define the sport.
Our carefully curated selection of F1 track posters, including the Formula 1 Race Track print, embodies the essence of racing with dynamic designs that evoke memories of legendary battles, daring overtakes, and podium finishes. These prints don't just enhance your decor; they tell the story of iconic race days, lap records, and championship-defining moments—a true celebration of motorsport passion.
Customize Your Formula 1 Race Track Poster!
You can tailor your Formula 1 Race Track poster according to your preferences. You're in control, whether you prefer a sleek framed print to showcase your favorite track or a bold canvas design that stands out. Want to add a personal touch? You can customize your poster by selecting from various frames and sizes to make it a one-of-a-kind motorsport keepsake. Order your custom Formula 1 race poster today!
Quality You Can Trust
Our Formula 1 Race Track prints are proudly 100% American-made. They are printed on premium paper with high-definition, vivid colors, ensuring durability and sharp detail. We are committed to delivering high-quality motorsport artwork that honors the heritage and excitement of Formula 1 circuits.
Celebrate your passion for racing, relive the thrill of high-speed chicanes and DRS zones, and own a piece of F1 history with our exclusive Formula 1 race track posters.
What Lies Ahead for F1 Driver Salaries
Drivers like Verstappen and Hamilton are expected to stay at the top of the earnings list, but the rise of young talent will shake up the salary landscape. Teams are also focused on financial sustainability, which means tighter budgets and smarter spending. As a result, performance-based incentives and endorsement deals will play a bigger role in how drivers earn their millions.
For fans, the 2025 F1 grid isn’t just about drivers and their salaries—it’s a reflection of how skill, marketability, and team strategies influence the sport. The balance between raw talent and financial backing will continue to define how teams build their rosters. If you’re curious about the numbers behind F1, keep following for more insights into the financial forces shaping motorsport.
Relive Your Adventures with Custom Race Track Posters
Relive your adventures with our Formula 1 prints. Order your race track poster to highlight your favorite event or race track. Based on circuit maps, these posters make it easy—and fun—to remember your favorite events. Order yours now and add a unique piece of art to your collection.