Formula 1's highest-paid drivers in 2025

Top dollar earners

F1 drivers aren’t just among the quickest athletes in the world, capable of reaching speeds up to 233 mph (ca. 375 km/h) — they’re also raking in massive pay cheques. In 2025, teams are spending big to secure the perfect blend of pace, precision, and personality. From seasoned champions to rising stars, here’s a look at the top earners on the grid this season.

15. Yuki Tsunoda – Racing Bulls: $3 million

Tsunoda’s still learning the ropes with Racing Bulls, and his $3 million paycheque is a telling sign that the team believes in his raw talent and potential.

13. Lance Stroll – Aston Martin: $3 million

Stroll sticks with Aston Martin, bringing sponsorship and development know-how. His salary reflects his steady contribution to the team.

12. Alex Albon – Williams: $3 million

Albon’s been steady for Williams, and his $3 million salary matches his consistent midfield efforts and role as a solid team player.

11. Nico Hülkenberg – Sauber: $5 million

Hülkenberg’s back in F1 and bringing tons of experience. His $5 million salary is solid for a driver who can help Sauber pick up points.

10. Esteban Ocon – Haas: $6 million

Ocon joined Haas this year with a decent pay cheque, with the team counting on his experience to help them punch above their weight.

9. Pierre Gasly – Alpine: $12 million

Gasly keeps putting in solid performances for Alpine. His $12 million salary reflects that he’s a reliable midfield contender with room to grow.

8. Carlos Sainz – Williams: $19 million

Sainz’s move to Williams surprised some, but the $19 million salary shows the team’s serious about making moves. His experience could be a big help as they try to climb the standings.

6. Oscar Piastri – McLaren: $25.9 million

Piastri’s rookie season blew people away, and McLaren clearly sees him as a star in the making – and somebody to lock in for the future. Given his performances and current form on the grid, the young Australian earns his every penny.

5. Charles Leclerc – Ferrari: $27 million

Ferrari locked Leclerc in with a solid $27 million pay cheque. He’s fast, fearless, and key to Ferrari’s future plans. The Italian team has shown clear intentions of retaining their main driver, despite Hamilton's arrival.

4. Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin: $27.5 million

Alonso is proof that age is just a number in F1. Even at 43, he’s earning big bucks because he’s still one of the toughest drivers on the grid. The veteran driver is certainly being paid for what he brings to the team outside of points, though.

3. Lando Norris – McLaren: $35 million

Norris has grown into a real star for McLaren. He’s fast, consistent, and popular with fans, so McLaren rewarded him with a fat contract that reflects his status as their go-to driver.

2. Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari: $57 million

Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari shook things up, and his $57 million salary was needed to bring one of the greatest drivers of all time to the fold. But has it been a good investment?

1. Max Verstappen – Red Bull Racing: $75 million

Verstappen is still the big boss of paddock...and the pay cheques — $75 million says it all. The guy’s a multiple world champ and Red Bull’s and (F1's) undisputed number one, so it’s no surprise he’s top of the list.

Honorable mentions: $2 million range

Outside of these big names, we have Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes and Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto both pocketing $2 million a year.