F1's highest-paid drivers for 2025 revealed

Max Verstappen is the highest-paid driver in Formula 1 for the 2025 season, a position secured through significant performance bonuses, even though he finished runner-up in the championship to Lando Norris. While Lewis Hamilton commanded the largest base salary, Verstappen's total earnings from Red Bull propelled him to the top of the financial standings.

Why it matters:

Driver salaries and bonuses are a direct reflection of market value, performance, and commercial appeal within the sport's ecosystem. The list highlights how championship success does not always directly correlate with being the top earner, as bonuses and existing contracts play a crucial role. It also underscores the financial premium placed on proven race winners and established superstars.

The details:

• Verstappen's Bonus-Driven Lead: Despite a base salary lower than Lewis Hamilton's reported $70 million, Verstappen's extensive bonus structure for wins and podium finishes made him the overall highest earner.
• Hamilton's High Base: In his first season with Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton had the highest guaranteed salary on the grid, though his on-track results limited additional bonus earnings.
• Champion in Third: Newly crowned world champion Lando Norris ranked third in total earnings. His income, like Verstappen's, was significantly supplemented by performance bonuses from McLaren.
• The Top Five: Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc rounded out the top five earners, with Piastri also benefiting from a bonus-heavy contract structure at McLaren.

The big picture:

The financial rankings reveal the enduring value of long-term contracts for top drivers like Hamilton and Verstappen, which were signed during periods of peak performance. It also shows the rising market value of younger stars like Norris and Piastri, whose new deals likely include performance incentives that paid off in a competitive season. The disparity between base salary and total compensation emphasizes the performance-driven nature of modern F1 contracts.