F1 Driver Salaries in 2025: Who Earns What on the Grid

Formula 1 is a high-stakes world, and nowhere is that more evident than in the salaries of its drivers. At the top end, superstars earn sums rivalling major football or NFL contracts, while rookies at the back of the grid start on figures that—while still enviable—are a fraction of the champions’ pay.

Who Tops the 2025 Salary Table?

Max Verstappen leads the pack with an estimated £50 million ($65 million) base salary at Red Bull. Hot on his heels is Lewis Hamilton, whose move to Ferrari came with a huge £46.3 million ($60 million) deal. Charles Leclerc completes the top three at Ferrari on £26.3 million ($34 million).

Behind the top three, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and McLaren’s Lando Norris are level on £15.5 million ($20m) each, while Mercedes’ George Russell follows on £11.6 million ($15m). Williams’ new signing Carlos Sainz and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly both command £7.7 million ($10m), and Alex Albon stays with Williams on £6.2 million ($8m). Sauber’s Nico Hülkenberg and Haas driver Esteban Ocon each receive £5.4 million ($7m), with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri on £4.6 million ($6m).

Further down the grid, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll collects £2.3 million ($3m), while Racing Bulls’ Yuki Tsunoda, Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli and Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoletto all sit on £1.6 million ($2m). Haas newcomer Oliver Bearman and Red Bull reserve-turned-race driver Liam Lawson are estimated at £0.8 million ($1m). Alpine’s Jack Doohan and Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar round out the grid at between £0.4–0.8 million ($0.5–1m).

While these base salaries would be life-changing for most people, they’re only part of the story. Performance-based bonuses for wins, podiums, points and championship positions often add millions more to a driver’s earnings, sometimes eclipsing their base pay entirely.

The 2025 driver salary list highlights just how wide the pay gap is on the grid. Seasoned champions can command football-style wages, while up-and-coming drivers must prove themselves before landing the big contracts. But for all, the mix of base pay and bonuses ensures Formula 1 remains one of the most lucrative sporting arenas in the world.

(Figures are RacingNews365.com estimates and exclude performance bonuses. Cover photo by Scuderia Ferrari)

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