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Formula 1 2025: The 5 Drivers Who Earn the Most

Formula 1 is not just about speed, precision, and glamour—it is also about staggering financial figures.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
Each season brings new rivalries on the Formula 1 track, but also a reshuffling of driver earnings that sparks curiosity among fans worldwide. / Photo Red Bull Content Pool/ Getty Images
Each season brings new rivalries on the Formula 1 track, but also a reshuffling of driver earnings that sparks curiosity among fans worldwide. / Photo Red Bull Content Pool/ Getty Images

Each season brings new rivalries on the Formula 1 track, but also a reshuffling of driver earnings that sparks curiosity among fans worldwide. 

 

The conversation about salary F1 drivers has become almost as heated as debates about overtakes or pit stop strategies.

 

Max Verstappen: The Reigning Titan

Max Verstappen stands as the financial benchmark of 2025. Fresh off a fourth consecutive world title, the Dutchman commands an annual base income of around $65 million, according to RacingNews365.

 

His dominance, combined with his ability to recover victories from seemingly impossible positions, makes his paycheck unsurprising. 

 

Beyond the official contract, Verstappen also enjoys lucrative partnerships with EA Sports, Heineken, and Viaplay. 

 

These endorsements make his financial portfolio just as impressive as his on-track achievements. Within the grid, he remains the undisputed leader in earnings.

Lewis Hamilton: Ferrari’s Bold Investment

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari created one of the most sensational headlines in recent Formula 1 history. 

 

Now wearing red, the seven-time champion earns a base salary of approximately $60 million. His contract is not just about numbers; it represents Ferrari’s ambition to claim an eighth crown with one of the sport’s most iconic figures. 

 

Hamilton’s personal brand, supported by fashion collaborations and global sponsorships, elevates his total yearly income to nearly $100 million. 

 

While Verstappen edges him out in base salary, Hamilton’s cultural influence and commercial appeal remain unmatched.

Charles Leclerc: The Future Anchored in Red

At Ferrari, Charles Leclerc continues to be the cornerstone of long-term strategy. His salary for 2025 holds steady at $34 million, a substantial figure that confirms his position among the elite. 

 

Though far from Verstappen’s and Hamilton’s astronomical numbers, Leclerc’s earnings reflect Ferrari’s faith in his consistency and technical growth. 

 

For many, he is not just Hamilton’s teammate but the heir to Ferrari’s future dominance.

Fernando Alonso: The Veteran’s Value

At 43 years old, Fernando Alonso continues to defy expectations. With a $20 million base salary, he demonstrates that experience still commands respect in modern Formula 1. 

 

Now with Aston Martin, Alonso has contract options extending to 2027, ensuring his place on the grid well into his mid-40s.

 

His partnership with Honda from 2026 could further extend his legacy, both financially and competitively. 

 

Among all discussions about salary F1 drivers, Alonso’s case is unique: he shows that passion and endurance can translate directly into market value.

Lando Norris: The Rising Star of McLaren

Lando Norris has become McLaren’s long-term investment. His base salary in 2025 also sits at $20 million, on par with Alonso. 

 

However, Norris benefits from an array of sponsor agreements that significantly boost his total income. 

 

His contract is designed to keep him in orange for years to come, though buyout clauses allow flexibility if future opportunities arise.

 

Many believe Norris could eventually climb higher on the salary F1 drivers ladder as his career matures.

A Sport Where Money Meets Legacy

In 2025, Formula 1 salaries tell a story of hierarchy, reputation, and expectation. Verstappen’s dominance, Hamilton’s prestige, Leclerc’s promise, Alonso’s resilience, and Norris’s potential encapsulate a sport where financial figures mirror competitive spirit. 

 

The discussion around how much drivers earn remains as fascinating as their exploits at 200 miles per hour.

Quick Questions

  • Who earns the most in 2025? Max Verstappen leads with an estimated $65 million base salary.
  • How much does Hamilton make at Ferrari? Hamilton earns around $60 million in base salary, plus endorsements pushing him near $100 million total.
  • What is Charles Leclerc’s salary? Leclerc’s base salary is $34 million, maintaining Ferrari’s long-term trust in him.
  • Do Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris earn the same? Yes, both drivers have a base salary of $20 million in 2025.

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