The Top 10 highest paid F1 drivers in 2025

With the Formula 1 season officially wrapped, it’s tradition to break down the year with rankings that highlight everything from wins and podiums to lap times and consistency. But in recent years, another list has become just as popular—one that doesn’t measure speed on the track, but earnings off it. Forbes has now released its annual ranking of the ten highest-paid drivers in F1, and the numbers are staggering.

Verstappen tops the money list, even without the championship

Lando Norris may have edged out Max Verstappen by just two points to claim the world title, earning a hefty performance bonus that pushed his salary to about $36 million, but that wasn’t enough to dethrone the Dutchman financially. Verstappen, runner-up on the track, once again leads the earnings chart with a jaw-dropping $68 million (including $10 million in bonuses). Norris follows with $52 million, while Lewis Hamilton slots into second place overall with $63 million, despite a tough first season driving for Ferrari.

Hamilton’s price tag shows ferrari’s gamble

Hamilton’s results behind the wheel of the Ferrari didn’t deliver much in terms of bonuses—just about $460,000—but his base salary of $63 million underscores how costly it was for Ferrari to lure the seven-time champion away from Mercedes. He comfortably outpaces teammate Charles Leclerc, who earned $27 million without any bonus despite two podium finishes. Oscar Piastri rounds out the Top 5 with $35 million, boosted by a massive $25 million in bonuses.

Alonso, Sainz, and the Aston Martin duo make the cut

Spain is well represented: Fernando Alonso takes sixth with $24 million (including $2.3 million in bonuses), while Carlos Sainz lands ninth at $12 million. Aston Martin also places both of its drivers in the Top 10—Lance Stroll earned $12.5 million despite finishing just 16th in the championship, while rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli sneaks into tenth with $11.5 million, thanks to an impressive $7 million bonus. Mercedes’ George Russell sits seventh at $24 million, buoyed by nearly $10 million in bonuses.

Key takeaways

Verstappen leads the money list with nearly $68 million, despite finishing runner-up in the championship. Hamilton’s blockbuster move to Ferrari paid off handsomely, securing him $63 million. Norris and Piastri prove McLaren is investing heavily in its future, with both drivers earning massive performance bonuses. Aston Martin and Mercedes meanwhile, each place two drivers in the Top 10, while Williams sneaks in thanks to Carlos Sainz.

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