McLaren’s triumphant return to the pinnacle of Formula 1 with its 2024 Constructors’ Championship victory came with a hefty price—quite literally. After clinching its first title in 26 years, the Woking-based team is set to pay the highest entry fee for the 2025 season, totaling an eye-watering £4.8 million ($6.1 million).
The Cost of Victory: Why McLaren’s Fee Soars
The FIA requires every F1 team to pay a base entry fee, set at $680,203 for 2025. However, as the reigning Constructors’ Champion, McLaren is also charged $8161 per point scored in the 2024 season. This premium, meant to reflect the team’s success, results in McLaren’s record-breaking bill.
With Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri powering McLaren to a total of 700 points, the championship-winning team’s fee eclipses its previous three years of payments combined. McLaren will be paying more than Aston Martin, Alpine, Haas, Red Bull, Williams, and Sauber combined.
FIA’s Growing Entry Fee Revenues
The overall cost to compete in F1 has ballooned significantly, with the FIA projected to collect £20.3 million ($25.7 million) in total entry fees for 2025. This represents a sharp increase from just a few years ago and underscores the rising financial demands of the sport.
For comparison, Red Bull Racing paid £5.8 million ($7.4 million) to enter the 2024 season after its dominant 2023 campaign, where it amassed a staggering 860 points. However, Red Bull’s struggles in 2024—finishing third with 589 points—mean a reduced fee of £3.6 million ($4.6 million) for 2025.
Winners Get the Bill, but Also the Bigger Prize Pot
While McLaren faces the steepest entry fee, its Constructors’ Championship victory ensures it takes home the lion’s share of F1’s prize pool. The team will pocket $140 million, narrowly edging out Ferrari, which earned $131 million for finishing second. Red Bull, after a challenging season, will receive $122 million for third place.
A Shift in F1’s Financial Dynamics
The escalating entry fees are part of a broader trend in Formula 1’s economics. The FIA’s point-based fee structure has increased steadily, incentivizing teams to balance success with financial sustainability. While dominant teams like Red Bull saw hefty fees during their peak years, McLaren now shoulders that burden after its stunning 2024 season.
With McLaren paying nearly £5 million, expectations for its 2025 campaign will be sky-high. Whether the team can maintain its top form and justify this massive financial outlay remains to be seen. For now, McLaren fans can celebrate a title-winning season, even if it came with a hefty price tag.