The Formula 1 salary hierarchy for the 2025 season has seen massive shifts, with Max Verstappen maintaining his dominance as the highest-paid driver while Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari switch reshapes the financial landscape.
Verstappen Still Reigns as F1’s Highest Earner
According to Marca, the four-time reigning world champion will continue to lead the salary charts, raking in a staggering $65 million per season at Red Bull Racing.
Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari Comes with a Big Payday
Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile switch to Ferrari has not only changed the Scuderia’s team dynamics, but it has also elevated his paycheck.
- The seven-time world champion will earn $60 million per season, an increase of $10 million from his final year at Mercedes.
- This means Hamilton is now the second-highest-paid driver in F1, sitting just behind Verstappen.
- His arrival at Maranello also dethrones Charles Leclerc as Ferrari’s top earner.
Leclerc Loses Financial Edge at Ferrari
For the first time since his Ferrari tenure began, Charles Leclerc is no longer the team’s highest-paid driver.
- The Monegasque remains on a $34 million annual deal—significantly lower than Hamilton’s massive contract.
- This marks a major shift in Ferrari’s power structure, reinforcing Hamilton’s star power, marketability, and global appeal.
Alonso, Norris Among the Top Earners
The fourth and fifth-highest salaries on the grid belong to Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris, who both earn $20 million per season.
- Alonso, a two-time world champion, remains a key figure at Aston Martin, helping the team consistently challenge for podiums.
- Lando Norris continues as McLaren’s top earner, reflecting his long-term commitment to the team’s resurgence.
Russell Leads Mercedes in the Post-Hamilton Era
With Hamilton’s departure, George Russell becomes the de facto leader at Mercedes, earning $15 million per year.
While still far behind the sport’s top-tier earners, his salary reflects Mercedes’ trust in him as a future title contender.
Carlos Sainz’s Move to Williams Doesn’t Come at a Big Cost
Carlos Sainz‘s switch from Ferrari to Williams was a surprise move, but financially, the Spaniard isn’t taking a major hit.
- He will earn $10 million per season, only $2 million less than what he was making at Ferrari.
- This also means Sainz earns more than his new teammate, Alex Albon, who is on an $8 million deal.
The Midfield Pay Scale: Gasly, Hülkenberg, and Ocon
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – $10 million
- Nico Hülkenberg (Stake F1/Audi) – $7 million
- Esteban Ocon (Haas) – $7 million
These salaries show a clear financial gap between the top five drivers and the midfield competitors, even for experienced racers like Gasly and Hülkenberg.
Rookie Salaries: Who’s Making the Least?
The sport’s newest drivers earn significantly less than their superstar counterparts.
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Stake F1/Audi) – $2 million
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – $2 million
- Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls) – $2 million
- Oliver Bearman, Liam Lawson, Jack Doohan, Isack Hadjar (RB Visa) – $500,000 to $1 million
Notably, Isack Hadjar, making his full-time F1 debut, has already attracted strong fan support from North Africa and the Arab world.
The Growing Financial Divide in F1 Salaries
As the 2025 F1 season approaches, one thing is clear: the gap between the sport’s elite drivers and the rest of the grid is wider than ever.
- Verstappen and Hamilton’s combined earnings exceed $125 million per year—while several rookies are making less than $1 million.
- The pay scale shift at Ferrari signals a changing team hierarchy, with Hamilton’s marketability now playing a huge role in the team’s structure.
- Meanwhile, young stars like Lando Norris and George Russell are beginning to inch toward the sport’s financial elite.
Final Thoughts: Who Wins and Loses in F1’s 2025 Salary Reshuffle?
✅ Winners:
- Max Verstappen (Still the highest-paid driver in F1)
- Lewis Hamilton (Secured a massive Ferrari payday)
- Carlos Sainz (Maintained a strong salary despite moving to Williams)
❌ Losers:
- Charles Leclerc (Lost his No. 1 earner status at Ferrari)
- Rookies & Midfield Drivers (Still earning a fraction of the sport’s top stars)
With team budgets and salaries continuing to evolve, expect even more financial shake-ups as contracts expire and new deals are negotiated in the coming seasons.