The 2025 F1 season has come to a close, and the numbers are in—Max Verstappen has claimed the title of the highest-paid driver, even though he narrowly missed securing his fifth consecutive world championship. But here’s where it gets intriguing: despite Verstappen’s top earnings, his base salary doesn’t outshine Lewis Hamilton’s, who faced a rocky debut season with Ferrari. So, how did Verstappen pull ahead? Let’s dive into the details.
Verstappen’s total earnings reached a staggering $76 million, thanks to a $65 million base salary and $11 million in bonuses. Meanwhile, Hamilton earned $70.5 million, with a $70 million base salary but only $0.5 million in bonuses. This highlights the significant role bonuses play in F1 drivers’ incomes, especially for those like Verstappen, whose performance-based rewards tipped the scales in his favor.
But this is the part most people miss: Lando Norris, who clinched the world championship, landed in third place on the earnings list with $57.5 million. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, followed closely behind with $37.5 million, showcasing McLaren’s strong bonus structure. Charles Leclerc rounded out the top five with $30 million, though his earnings were entirely salary-based.
Here’s the full top 10 list for 2025:
| Driver | Salary (USD) | Bonuses (USD) | Total Earnings (USD) |
|-------------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------------|
| Max Verstappen | $65m | $11m | $76m |
| Lewis Hamilton | $70m | $0.5m | $70.5m |
| Lando Norris | $18m | $39.5m | $57.5m |
| Oscar Piastri | $10m | $27.5m | $37.5m |
| Charles Leclerc | $30m | $0 | $30m |
| Fernando Alonso | $24m | $2.5m | $26.5m |
| George Russell | $15m | $11m | $26m |
| Lance Stroll | $12m | $1.5m | $13.5m |
| Carlos Sainz | $10m | $3m | $13m |
| Kimi Antonelli | $5m | $7.5m | $12.5m |
Controversial question: Does a driver’s earnings truly reflect their on-track success? While Verstappen earned the most, Norris took home the championship. Should bonuses be tied more closely to race results, or do they rightfully reward overall performance and team contributions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Don’t want to miss any of the 2026 F1 action? Add the official F1 calendar to your smartphone or PC with just one click. Stay ahead of every race, qualifying session, and key event—it’s the easiest way to ensure you’re always in the loop. Download the 2026 F1 Calendar here.
