Max Verstappen’s relentless pursuit of Formula 1 glory doesn’t just come with trophies and records—it comes with a hefty price tag. As the reigning four-time world champion prepares for the 2025 season, the cost of his super licence—a mandatory fee for every driver in the sport—has been revealed, and it’s nothing short of jaw-dropping.
How Much Will Verstappen Pay?
Thanks to the unique structure of F1’s super licence fees, drivers pay a base cost plus a variable amount based on their performance in the previous season. For 2025, the base fee remains €11,453, while an additional €2,313 is charged per championship point earned in the prior season.
With Verstappen having scored 437 points in the 2024 season, his total super licence fee will exceed €1 million—specifically around €1,022,294. While this represents a significant saving compared to his €1.3 million fee for 2024 (when he amassed 575 points in a record-breaking season), it still cements his status as the most expensive driver on the grid.
What Makes the Super Licence So Expensive?
Formula 1’s super licence fee structure is designed to scale with a driver’s success, effectively turning dominance into a financial burden. While €1 million may be pocket change for a driver of Verstappen’s stature, it remains a stark reminder of the high stakes and exclusivity of the sport.
How Does Verstappen Compare to Others?
No other driver comes close to Verstappen’s bill. His nearest competitors—Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc—earned fewer points and will therefore pay significantly less. While the exact fees for others haven’t been disclosed yet, Verstappen’s fee dwarfs even his closest rivals due to his consistent top-tier performance.
A Price of Glory
For Verstappen, the €1 million fee is likely just a footnote in his championship-winning journey, but it underscores the high cost of competing at the pinnacle of motorsport. As he aims for a fifth title in 2025, it’s a price he—and Red Bull Racing—will likely be more than willing to pay.
