F1 Driver Salaries 2025: Who Earned the Most Money? (2026)

Money talks in Formula 1, but who pocketed the biggest payouts during the adrenaline-pumping 2025 season? Strap in as we uncover the financial champions of the grid, revealing how drivers like Max Verstappen turned near-misses into massive earnings despite some unexpected twists.

Ever wondered which Formula 1 driver topped the earnings leaderboard for the 2025 season? It's Max Verstappen, who wrapped up the year as the highest-paid racer on the circuit, even though he came up just two points short of clinching a fifth straight world championship from Lando Norris in a nail-biting finale that had fans on the edge of their seats.

While Verstappen leads the pack in overall earnings, his base salary doesn't outpace that of Lewis Hamilton, who navigated a tough first year with Ferrari after switching teams. According to Forbes, Hamilton secured a hefty $70 million in base pay—more than Verstappen's—but thanks to performance bonuses, the Red Bull star outpaces him to claim the top spot. For beginners diving into F1 finances, bonuses are often tied to achievements like race wins, podium finishes, or championship points, rewarding drivers beyond their fixed salaries and adding a layer of excitement to their contracts.

But here's where it gets controversial: Should bonuses for near-wins outweigh hefty base salaries for underperformers? This debate highlights how F1's pay structure can sometimes prioritize potential over results, sparking questions about fairness in a sport where millions are at stake.

Lando Norris, who ultimately lifted the world championship trophy, lands in third place on the earnings list, outearning his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. Both British drivers boosted their income significantly through bonuses, showing how incentive-based rewards can catapult rookies or mid-pack performers into the financial big leagues.

Charles Leclerc, piloting the second Ferrari, fills out the top five, rounding up the elite earners.

And this is the part most people miss: The full top 10 reveals even more surprises, blending veterans, newcomers, and those riding high on incentives. Here's the breakdown, including base salaries, bonuses, and total earnings for clarity:

Max Verstappen: $65 million in base salary, $11 million in bonuses, totaling $76 million
Lewis Hamilton: $70 million in base salary, $0.5 million in bonuses, totaling $70.5 million
Lando Norris: $18 million in base salary, $39.5 million in bonuses, totaling $57.5 million
Oscar Piastri: $10 million in base salary, $27.5 million in bonuses, totaling $37.5 million
Charles Leclerc: $30 million in base salary, $0 in bonuses, totaling $30 million
Fernando Alonso: $24 million in base salary, $2.5 million in bonuses, totaling $26.5 million
George Russell: $15 million in base salary, $11 million in bonuses, totaling $26 million
Lance Stroll: $12 million in base salary, $1.5 million in bonuses, totaling $13.5 million
Carlos Sainz: $10 million in base salary, $3 million in bonuses, totaling $13 million
Kimi Antonelli: $5 million in base salary, $7.5 million in bonuses, totaling $12.5 million

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