A deep-dive financial analysis has turned the spotlight on Formula 1’s most cost-effective drivers, and the results might surprise you. According to OLBG’s study, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri emerged as the best return on investment (ROI) driver in 2024, delivering top-tier performances on a fraction of the budget of F1’s highest earners.
With a $6 million salary, Piastri outperformed many of his more expensive rivals, proving that raw talent doesn’t always equate to the highest paycheck.
McLaren’s Budget-Friendly Powerhouse
Both Piastri and teammate Lando Norris were recognized for their cost-effectiveness, with McLaren emerging as the most financially efficient team on the grid. Despite operating on a significantly smaller budget than Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull, McLaren’s driver lineup delivered multiple podiums while keeping crash-related costs low.
Key Findings:
✅ Oscar Piastri led the cost-effectiveness rankings, proving to be the best ROI driver of 2024.
✅ Lando Norris also ranked highly, making McLaren the most budget-efficient team.
✅ Carlos Sainz outperformed Charles Leclerc in financial efficiency, delivering better results at a lower salary.
Carlos Sainz: Ferrari’s Best Value Driver in 2024
While Charles Leclerc remains Ferrari’s highest-paid driver, the analysis found that Carlos Sainz provided a better return on investment. With a lower salary but a strong points haul, Sainz emerged as a more cost-effective asset for Ferrari—just as he prepares to exit the team for Williams in 2025.
His ability to outperform his pay grade could increase his stock as he transitions to his new team, where Williams will be looking for maximum efficiency in its driver lineup.
High Salaries Hurt Verstappen and Hamilton’s Cost-Effectiveness
While Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton continue to dominate on track, their astronomical salaries pushed them outside the top five in cost-effectiveness rankings.
📉 Hamilton’s cost per point exceeded $200,000, making him one of the most expensive drivers in terms of financial efficiency.
📉 Verstappen’s Red Bull contract also hurt his ranking, though his success in securing victories helped offset the imbalance.
Sergio Perez: The Most Expensive Driver… in Repair Bills
At the other end of the spectrum, Sergio Perez proved to be the most financially damaging driver. His five DNFs in 2024 cost Red Bull an estimated $70 million—a number large enough to impact the Constructors’ Championship fight.
Other teams hit hard by crash-related costs included Alpine and Williams, whose repair bills took a significant toll on their budgets.
How the Study Measured Cost-Effectiveness
OLBG’s methodology used a weighted scoring system based on:
- Base salary per point (30% weighting)
- Base salary per win (10%)
- Financial burden of DNFs (15%)
- Crash-related costs
The study revealed that high salaries don’t always equate to strong financial efficiency, showing that teams must balance performance with cost as they finalize 2025 budgets and driver contracts.
Final Takeaway: Talent vs. Value in F1’s Economic Landscape
With the 2025 season on the horizon, teams will continue to weigh performance against cost, ensuring they get the most bang for their buck. As this study proves, sometimes the best driver isn’t the highest-paid—he’s the one who delivers results without breaking the bank.
