Although no two driver contracts are exactly the same, they all revolve around the same idea: Formula 1 is about more than just who crosses the finish line first; it’s also about who bargains for the win behind closed doors.
Max Verstappen’s projected base salary of $65 million in 2025 goes beyond simply rewarding him for winning four straight titles. It demonstrates Red Bull’s dedication to keeping the best athletes in the sport connected to their brand. If you include performance bonuses, which totaled $11 million last year, the amount surpasses that of the majority of football players and even some A-list celebrities.
| Driver | Team | Country | Estimated Salary (USD) | Years in F1 | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Verstappen | Red Bull | Netherlands | $65,000,000 | 9 | 28 |
| Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | United Kingdom | $60,000,000 | 17 | 41 |
| Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | Monaco | $34,000,000 | 7 | 28 |
| Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | Spain | $20,000,000 | 21 | 44 |
| Lando Norris | McLaren | United Kingdom | $20,000,000 | 6 | 26 |
| Oscar Piastri | McLaren | Australia | $20,000,000 | 2 | 24 |
| George Russell | Mercedes | United Kingdom | $15,000,000 | 6 | 28 |
| Carlos Sainz | Williams | Spain | $10,000,000 | 10 | 30 |
| Pierre Gasly | Alpine | France | $10,000,000 | 8 | 30 |
| Alexander Albon | Williams | Thailand | $8,000,000 | 6 | 29 |
| Esteban Ocon | Haas | France | $7,000,000 | 8 | 30 |
| Nico Hülkenberg | Sauber | Germany | $7,000,000 | 14 | 38 |
| Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | Canada | $3,000,000 | 8 | 27 |
| Yuki Tsunoda | Racing Bulls | Japan | $2,000,000 | 5 | 26 |
| Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | Italy | $2,000,000 | Rookie | 18 |
| Gabriel Bortoleto | Sauber (Audi) | Brazil | $2,000,000 | Rookie | 20 |
| Oliver Bearman | Haas | United Kingdom | $1,000,000 | Rookie | 19 |
| Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | New Zealand | $1,000,000 | 1 | 24 |
| Jack Doohan | Alpine | Australia | $1,000,000 | Rookie | 21 |
| Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls | France | $1,000,000 | Rookie | 21 |
According to reports, Lewis Hamilton, who is currently wearing red for Ferrari, is not far behind. His $60 million contract is about more than just lap times; it’s also about legacy and international recognition. Despite this season’s lackluster performance, his brand power is still incredibly powerful.
A different approach is demonstrated by the McLaren team of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Although their base salaries are significantly lower ($18 million and $10 million, respectively), bonuses cause their total earnings to soar. Through a combination of grit and strategic genius, they exceeded expectations in 2025, accumulating victories and surpassing competitors.
The catch is that, in contrast to most sports, F1 salaries are based on a variety of factors.
Base pay is just the starting point. It is frequently surpassed by bonuses for race victories, podium finishes, and constructor points. For instance, despite receiving less than 25% of Verstappen’s base salary, George Russell earned over $11 million in bonuses this year, matching Verstappen’s total.
These contracts with a lot of incentives show a thorough comprehension of margin and motivation. Teams are looking for outcomes. Drivers seek compensation. Paychecks skyrocket when the two coincide.
However, timing can sometimes be more advantageous to drivers than awards.
Despite finishing on several podiums in 2025, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, who ranks third on the base salary list, reportedly did not receive any performance bonuses. He seems to have a front-loaded contract that favors fixed earnings over conditional incentives. It’s a strange move in a merit-driven sport.
That struck me as especially odd, especially considering how reliable Leclerc has been all season.
Others, like Fernando Alonso, continue to be members of the elite salary club in the sport because of their versatility and experience. Few drivers can match his longevity, as evidenced by his $20 million base at age 43.
The rookies come next.
Jack Doohan, Oliver Bearman, and Liam Lawson are all in the neighborhood of $1 million or less; while these sums may seem substantial, they actually represent the lower end of the sport. Their performance, sponsorship support, and injury-free status frequently determine their job security.
Off-track earnings are also not included in these figures. Many drivers use merchandise, brand partnerships, and even entrepreneurship to create profitable portfolios. For example, Lando Norris’ gaming company Quadrant is said to increase his yearly earnings by millions.
Unconventional clauses are even included in some contracts. The legend surrounding Kimi Raikkonen’s notorious €50,000-per-point contract at Lotus endures. The team’s excitement turned to fear when he scored more than 200 points in 2012 and received millions in bonus payments.
Additionally, not all drivers are solely supported by the team. Sometimes a large portion is covered by sponsors, especially those from the drivers’ home countries. As a result, a delicate ecosystem is created in which nationality, marketability, and talent all interact.
This elite spending has not been curbed even by the cost cap that was implemented in 2021.
Driver salaries are not included in the $135 million cap on operations that teams must maintain. This implies that Red Bull’s or Ferrari’s financial limitations are unaffected by Verstappen’s or Hamilton’s checks. The reason for this exception is to protect star power.
Disparities are significant when examining the grid. In one season, Verstappen might make more money than some rookies could hope to make in their whole careers. However, potential can swiftly rewrite that math in Formula One.
In terms of career paths and car performance, the sport has always welcomed imbalance.
Nevertheless, fascination is fueled by precisely this contrast.
Racing isn’t all that F1 is about. The fastest laps meet the richest purses in this high-stakes economics, speed, and ego-driven theater. Every podium celebration has a contract negotiation going on behind it. Every qualifying round has a silent monetary value behind it.
Paychecks are irrelevant when the lights go out and the engines roar. However, teams do review results and future lineups the following morning.
At the first turn, everyone on the grid may be the same, but by the last lap, some are aiming for millions of dollars, not just points.
