In 2025, Formula 1 experienced a season of intense rivalries and economic advancements with the highest paid drivers Accumulating $363 million in salaries and bonuses. This 15% increase reflects the global boom driven by Netflix and new markets.
The ranking of Forbesbased on financial documents and internal sources, excludes endorsements and focuses on compensation per title. Max Verstappen leads with $76 million beat at Red Bull Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari ($70.5 million).
Forbes’ methodology prioritizes base salaries as well as bonuses for wins and podiums, and shows how performance determines fate. In a year marked by McLaren’s dominance among the constructors, the drivers like it Lando Norris ($57.5 million) prove to be profitable stars.
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1. Max Verstappen: the constant king of Red Bull
28-year-old Max Verstappen topped the Forbes ranking $76 million ($65 million in salary plus $11 million in bonuses) at Red Bull Racing.
The Dutchman won eight Grands Prix, including Abu Dhabi, and finished second in the championship by just two points. His contract until 2028 ensures stability, despite internal tensions in the team.
Accordingly GuardianHis dominance reflects maturity after the 2024 title and cements him as the most valuable driver.
2. Lewis Hamilton: The millionaire debut at Ferrari
Second place went to 40-year-old Lewis Hamilton $70.5 million ($70 million base, $0.5 million bonus) in his first season at Ferrari. Without any podium finishes in the Grand Prix, but victorious in the sprint in China, he finished sixth.
According to his salary record BBC Sporthighlights the impact of his move after 12 years at Mercedes; The contract runs until at least 2025, with extension options that prioritize his legacy of seven titles.
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3. Lando Norris: aspiring champion at McLaren
Lando Norris, 26, climbed to third place $57.5 million ($18 million salary and $39.5 million bonus) at McLaren and won the championship with seven wins and 18 podiums.
His $10 million bonus for the title increased his net worth. The New York Times highlights how his consistency surpassed Verstappen, marking the first championship for McLaren since 1998 and positioning him as the heir to the new hybrid era.
4. Oscar Piastri: Australian talent on the rise
Oscar Piastri, 24, collected $37.5 million ($10 million salary, $27.5 million bonus) at McLaren, with seven wins and 16 podiums, second place and his contribution to the constructors’ title. The multi-year extension signed in March secures the future.
His debut in 2023 and his maturity in 2025 make him a mainstay of the team, competing with Norris in a historic duo for the British team.
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5. Charles Leclerc: Ferrari’s Monegasques under pressure
Charles Leclerc, 28, registered $30 million full salary at Ferrari and finished fifth despite a frustrating season with no bonuses. His contract until 2029 includes agreements with Chivas Regal and a CL16 clothing line.
Despite the disappointment, his pace in qualifying (eight poles) maintains his status, although the duo with Hamilton raises expectations for 2026 with renewed engines.
6. Fernando Alonso: Aston Martin’s resilient veteran
Fernando Alonso, 44, two-time champion, won $26.5 million ($24 million salary, $2.5 million bonus) at Aston Martin and finished tenth with 56 points.
His contract expires in 2026, a possible extension is linked to the new Honda engine.
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7. George Russell: the British leader at Mercedes
George Russell, 27, got $26 million ($15 million salary, $11 million bonus) at Mercedes, with two wins and fourth place in the championship. The October extension includes an automatic extension for 2027 if the targets are met.
8. Lance Stroll: the heir to Aston Martin
Lance Stroll, 27, son of owner Lawrence Stroll, added $13.5 million ($12 million salary, $1.5 million bonus) at Aston Martin, where he finished 16th with 33 points and no podiums.
His extension in June 2024 increased his salary as reported in the documents. His familial role provides stability, despite criticism of performance, and contributes to the team’s vision of expansion with Honda in 2026.
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9. Carlos Sainz: the adaptable Spaniard at Williams
Carlos Sainz, 31 years old, distributed by Ferrari, reached the $13 million ($10 million salary, $3 million bonus) at Williams, ninth in the championship with two podiums. His contract until 2026 sees him as director of the GPDA.
His successful transition reinvigorated Williams, using his Ferrari experience to take podiums on technical tracks and lay the foundation for the 2026 Mercedes engine.
10. Kimi Antonelli: Mercedes’ teenage prodigy
Kimi Antonelli, 19, debutant at Mercedes, completed the top 10 $12.5 million ($5 million salary, $7.5 million bonus) and, despite retirement, finished seventh with three podiums. His precociousness at the age of 18 was impressive.
His strong result with points in eight of the last eleven GPs positions him as Hamilton’s successor and key talent for the regulatory era ahead.
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