The 2025 F1 driver salaries revealed – from Formula 1‘s biggest names all the way down to rookies, how much money will each driver earn?
With the season having just concluded, Forbes has revealed its list of the highest-paid F1 drivers on the grid for the 2025 season.
Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – $76 Million
Max Verstappen retains his position as the highest-paid driver in the sport, earning a staggering $76 million.
This figure reflects his status as a four-time world champion and the face of Red Bull Racing. His contract runs until 2028, and it includes performance bonuses that could elevate his total earnings even further, potentially exceeding $80 million when factoring in sponsorships from brands like Heineken and EA Sports.
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – $70 Million
Lewis Hamilton‘s salary has increased to $70 million following his blockbuster move from Mercedes to Ferrari, marking a $15 million raise from his previous contract.
The new deal not only positions him as one of the top earners but also aligns him with a team that is eager to reclaim its championship status.
Hamilton’s total income could reach around $100 million if bonuses and endorsements were included, reflecting his immense marketability and impact on the sport.
Lando Norris (McLaren) – $57 Million
Newly crowned F1 world champion Lando Norris has solidified his position at McLaren with a base salary of $18million, but with almost $40million in bonuses after claiming his maiden title.
His performance on the track has made him a fan favorite, and both parties are keen on a long-term partnership that could see Norris evolve into a title contender in the coming years.
Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – $37.5 Million
Oscar Piastri’s estimated $37.5 million package at McLaren reflects rapid progression from rookie to race winner, with a low eight-figure base salary reportedly boosted by a rich bonus ladder similar to Norris’s.
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – $34 Million
Charles Leclerc has seen a shift in his standing within Ferrari, now earning $34 million annually. This salary places him fourth among highest paid F1 drivers and reflects his importance to the team’s future alongside Hamilton.
Leclerc’s contract extends through 2028, ensuring he remains a key figure in the team’s ambitions for championship success.
Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – $26 Million
The experienced Fernando Alonso continues to command respect and a hefty paycheck at Aston Martin, where he earns $26 million per year.
With aspirations for another championship run, Alonso’s experience is invaluable to the team as they seek to improve their standings in the constructors’ championship.
George Russell (Mercedes) – $26 Million
George Russell raked in $26 million this season after taking over as Mercedes’ lead driver following Hamilton’s departure.
The Brit’s contract runs through 2026 F1, and he is expected to lead the Silver Arrows back into championship contention following performance struggles in previous seasons.
Carlos Sainz Jr. (Williams) – $13 Million
Carlos Sainz Jr. made headlines with his move to Williams where he will earn $13 million annually until 2027.
This deal marked a significant change for Sainz as he proceeded to leverage his experience to claim the team’s first podium since 2021 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, before claiming another at the Qatar Grand Prix.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – $12.5 Million
Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli will take home a base pay of $5million which is dwarfed by his reported bonus of $7.5million as he rounds out the top-ten list of highest-paid F1 drivers in 2025.
Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – $10 Million
French driver Pierre Gasly took home $10 million this season, reflecting his consistent performance and potential as a team leader within Alpine.
Alex Albon (Williams) – $8 Million
Anglo-Thai racer Alex Albon remains with Williams at an annual salary of $8 million, demonstrating his value as a reliable driver who can contribute significantly to the team’s efforts.
Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber/Audi) – $7 Million
Nico Hülkenberg earned $7 million at Sauber where he played a crucial role in guiding the team through its transition into Audi’s full factory operation.
Esteban Ocon (Haas) – $7 Million
Esteban Ocon joined Haas for 2025 F1 season with an identical salary of $7 million as he looks to bring stability and experience to the American outfit.
Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – $3 Million
Lance Stroll remains at Aston Martin with figures ranging from a base of around $3 million (with potential bonuses to reach $4M or $13.5M total) up to reports suggesting totals of $12-$22 million, influenced by his father owning the Aston Martin team and complex related-party accounting.
Some sources cite a $3M base with $1M bonus, while others list a total of $13.5M or even $22M when incentives and family business factors are included
Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – $2 Million
Ousted Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda nested around $2 million to $2.5 million including a base salary of roughly $2 million and potential bonuses, with his contract running through 2025, making it a significant step up from his 2024 earnings.
Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber/Audi) – $2 Million
Rookie Gabriel Bortoleto earned $2 million in his debut season with Sauber as sources suggest a base of $1 million plus bonuses, placing him among the lower-paid rookies as he joins the top tier of motorsport after consecutive F3 and F2 titles.
Oliver Bearman (Haas) – $1 Million
Another rookie on the 2025 F1 grid, Oliver Bearman earned a base salary of just $1 million at Haas but has significant potential for growth after a breakout year with the team.
Liam Lawson & Jack Doohan (Red Bull & Alpine) – Estimated Between $0.5-$1 Million
Both Liam Lawson and Jack Doohan are among the lowest-paid drivers on the grid, earning between $0.5-$1 million annually while serving as promising talents for their respective teams.
Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – Estimated Between $0.5-$1 Million
Isack Hadjar rounds out the 2025 F1 driver salaries with similar earnings as Lawson and Doohan, but this is set to change after the Frenchman was handed a Red Bull promotion to team up with Max Verstappen for the 2026 season.
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