You’re in a racecar. The engine roars, the crowd cheers, and you’re thinking,
“I hope this is worth the paycheck!”
Well, for some drivers in Formula One, the paycheck is what everyone talks about. The world of F1 isn’t just about speed and trophies. It’s also about who earns the biggest paychecks while racing around the planet at breakneck speed. Some drivers are worth more than small companies! In this article, we will cruise through the earnings of the highest-paid Formula 1 drivers, from champions on top of the podium to rising stars climbing the salary ranks. Strap in, because the numbers are wild and the stories are real.
Top 12 Highest Paid Formula 1 Drivers
Here’s a clear and detailed look at the top earners in the highest-paid Formula 1 drivers this season. These earnings include fixed salaries and performance bonuses when drivers win races, score podiums, or finish high in the championship. Most contracts are paid in US dollars. Final earnings can change based on results, contract clauses, and team success.
1. Max Verstappen
Team: Red Bull Racing
Total Earnings: ~$76 million (salary + bonuses)
Max Verstappen sits at the very top when it comes to driver earnings in 2025. Red Bull Racing pays him a massive base salary, and his bonuses add millions more to that amount. Every race win, fastest lap, and championship success pushes his earnings higher. Red Bull fully trusts him as their lead driver, and his results prove that trust is well placed. Verstappen’s calm mindset, aggressive racing style, and consistent wins make him the most valuable driver on the grid today.
2. Lewis Hamilton
Team: Ferrari
Total Earnings: ~$70.5 million
Lewis Hamilton remains one of the most powerful names in the highest-paid Formula 1 drivers, both on and off the track. Even after his move to Ferrari, his salary stays extremely high. Ferrari values his experience, global popularity, and leadership inside the team. Hamilton also brings strong brand value, which matters greatly to a historic team like Ferrari. His long career, record wins, and ability to handle pressure keep him near the top of the earnings list.
3. Lando Norris
Team: McLaren
Total Earnings: ~$57.5 million
Lando Norris enjoyed a career-defining year in 2025. Winning the world championship boosted his income through large performance bonuses. McLaren rewards him not only for winning races but also for his consistency and calm driving approach. His contract grew quickly because he delivers results when it matters most. Norris also connects well with fans, making him a strong long-term investment for his team.
4. Oscar Piastri
Team: McLaren
Total Earnings: ~$37.5 million
Oscar Piastri’s earnings increased sharply due to his strong performances throughout the season. Although young, he shows maturity on the track and makes smart racing decisions. McLaren structured his contract to reward podium finishes and race wins, which paid off well. His steady growth and ability to challenge top drivers make him one of the most promising earners in the sport.
5. Charles Leclerc
Team: Ferrari
Total Earnings: ~$30 million
Charles Leclerc continues to earn a high salary as Ferrari sees him as a long-term leader. His contract includes a strong base salary that does not depend entirely on race wins. Ferrari values his loyalty, feedback, and ability to develop the car. Even during difficult seasons, Leclerc remains one of the best-paid drivers because of his importance to the team’s future.
6. Fernando Alonso
Team: Aston Martin
Total Earnings: ~$26.5 million
Fernando Alonso proves that age does not reduce value in Formula One. Aston Martin pays him well because of his deep racing knowledge and sharp instincts. Alonso helps the team not only during races but also during car development and strategy planning. His experience helps younger engineers and drivers improve, which adds to his worth beyond pure speed.
7. George Russell
Team: Mercedes
Total Earnings: ~$26 million
George Russell earns a strong paycheck at Mercedes thanks to his consistent performances and growing leadership role. His contract includes bonuses tied to race results and team standings. Mercedes trusts him to deliver reliable finishes and support long-term team goals. Russell’s calm attitude and steady improvement keep his earnings stable and competitive.
8. Lance Stroll
Team: Aston Martin
Total Earnings: ~$13.5 million
Lance Stroll earns a solid income that places him in the middle range among the top highest-paid Formula 1 drivers. His role at Aston Martin provides stability, and his contract reflects steady participation rather than frequent wins. While he does not earn massive bonuses, his salary remains strong due to his continued presence in a competitive team environment.
9. Carlos Sainz
Team: Williams
Total Earnings: ~$13 million
Carlos Sainz moved to Williams but still earns a respectable salary. His experience helps the team grow and improve performance over time. Williams values his technical feedback and race understanding. His contract includes incentives for strong finishes and helping the team progress during the season.
10. Kimi Antonelli
Team: Mercedes
Total Earnings: ~$12.5 million
Kimi Antonelli earns impressive money for someone early in his highest-paid Formula 1 driver’s career. Mercedes invested heavily in his future and offered a strong starting contract. His earnings reflect potential rather than past results. Bonuses reward his learning speed, consistency, and ability to adapt to the pressure of racing at the highest level.
11. Sergio Perez
Team: Red Bull Racing
Estimated Earnings: Varies by report
Sergio Perez continues to earn well as a reliable teammate at Red Bull Racing. His earnings depend on race results and team-based bonuses. Different reports show slightly different figures, but his role as a trusted support driver keeps his income strong. Perez’s ability to help the team score points plays a big role in his value.
Conclusion
This season’s list of highest-paid Formula 1 drivers shows both legendary champions and new stars making big money on the track. Just like a race, it’s fast, exciting, and full of surprises, from world champions with massive contracts to young talents earning big bonuses. Whether a driver wins the race or finishes a few places back, their paycheck says a lot about their value in the sport. These drivers don’t just race for glory. They race for paychecks that most of us could only dream about.
Remember, in Formula One, every second on the track and every dollar in the contract tells a story.
