F1's Highest-Paid Drivers 2025: Verstappen Leads, Norris Rises

Max Verstappen remains Formula 1's highest-paid driver for 2025 with an estimated $76 million in earnings, according to a new Forbes list, while newly crowned world champion Lando Norris's income is significantly boosted by performance bonuses to secure third place. The financial rankings show a notable divergence from the final 2025 championship standings, underscoring how driver contracts and market value don't always align with recent on-track results.

Why it matters:

Driver salaries are a key indicator of a team's financial commitment and a driver's perceived market value within the sport. This list reveals the enduring financial power of established stars like Lewis Hamilton, even in a less competitive season, and highlights how performance-based contracts, like Norris's, can rapidly elevate earnings. It also provides insight into the economic landscape teams navigate when building their driver line-ups.

The details:

• Verstappen's Dominance: Despite missing a fifth title by just two points, the Red Bull driver's estimated $76 million package includes a massive base salary of around $65 million, reflecting his status as the sport's benchmark.
• Hamilton's Consistent Value: Lewis Hamilton, in his first year with Ferrari, retains the second spot with $70.5 million despite a challenging season finishing sixth, demonstrating his unparalleled commercial and historical value to the sport.
• Norris's Bonus Bonanza: McLaren's Lando Norris, the 2025 champion, earns an estimated $57.5 million. His contract structure is revealing, with a base salary of $18 million ballooning by nearly $40 million in bonuses tied to his title-winning performance.
• The Rest of the Top Ten: Charles Leclerc ($30M) and Oscar Piastri ($37.5M) round out the top five, followed by Fernando Alonso ($26.5M), George Russell ($26M), Lance Stroll ($13.5M), Carlos Sainz ($13M), and Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli ($12.5M).
• Antonelli's $12.5 million deal is notable for a rookie, with a $7.5 million bonus component indicating high expectations from Mercedes.

The big picture:

The Forbes estimates, which exclude external sponsorship and endorsement income, illustrate the complex economics of F1. Veteran drivers command high base salaries secured by long-term contracts and legacy, while newer champions like Norris benefit from incentive-heavy deals. As the 2026 regulation change approaches, these financial commitments will play a crucial role in driver market stability and team budgeting for the next era of competition.