Bold takeaway: Even after a dramatic season, one name topped the earnings charts in 2025 Formula 1, proving that money in F1 isn’t only about the world championship title.
Let’s dive into who earned the most in the 2025 F1 season, how the numbers break down, and what it means for drivers moving forward. Max Verstappen finishes as the highest-paid driver overall, despite not clinching a fifth consecutive world championship. The season ended with Verstappen just two points behind the champion contender Lando Norris, closing a year filled with tension and a dramatic finale.
Interestingly, Verstappen’s total earnings surpass those of Lewis Hamilton when bonuses are factored in, even though Hamilton’s base salary actually exceeds Verstappen’s. Forbes reports Hamilton bringing in $70 million in base salary, while Verstappen’s compensation combines a $65 million salary with $11 million in bonuses, pushing his total to about $76 million.
Lando Norris sits in third place on the earnings list, narrowly missing the world title but still securing substantial income through performance-related bonuses. Norris’ total earnings come from an $18 million base plus $39.5 million in bonuses. His McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, also enjoyed meaningful bonus-driven income, totaling $37.5 million from a $10 million base and $27.5 million in bonuses.
Charles Leclerc rounds out the top five with a $30 million base salary and no reported bonuses that season.
Top 10 earnings snapshot (base salary, bonuses, total):
- Max Verstappen: $65 million base, $11 million bonuses, total $76 million
- Lewis Hamilton: $70 million base, $0.5 million bonuses, total $70.5 million
- Lando Norris: $18 million base, $39.5 million bonuses, total $57.5 million
- Oscar Piastri: $10 million base, $27.5 million bonuses, total $37.5 million
- Charles Leclerc: $30 million base, $0 bonuses, total $30 million
- Fernando Alonso: $24 million base, $2.5 million bonuses, total $26.5 million
- George Russell: $15 million base, $11 million bonuses, total $26 million
- Lance Stroll: $12 million base, $1.5 million bonuses, total $13.5 million
- Carlos Sainz: $10 million base, $3 million bonuses, total $13 million
- Kimi Antonelli: $5 million base, $7.5 million bonuses, total $12.5 million
If you’re curious about how these earnings break down, remember that driver salaries are often tied to contract length and negotiating power, while bonuses depend on race results, podiums, and performance-based incentives. Some teams also include additional perks or sponsorship-related bonuses that can significantly shift the final figures, especially for top-tier drivers.
For fans planning to follow the 2026 season closely, stay tuned for how contract renewals, performance, and team strategies might alter the balance of power and pay in Formula 1. To keep up with all the action, you can also download the 2026 F1 calendar for quick access to every race on your devices.
Would you agree that the biggest earnings are increasingly tied to bonuses rather than base salaries? Which driver’s pay structure do you think is most fair given performance expectations, and why?
