F1’s highest-paid drivers in 2025, ranked from Ocon to Verstappen

October 22, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Formula 1 salaries reveal more than just how much teams value their drivers — they hint at experience, performance, and future potential. From steady midfielders to multi-time world champions, here’s how the 10 top earners on the 2025 F1 grid stack up, ranked from the lowest to the highest.

10. Esteban Ocon – $6 million

Currently driving for Haas, Ocon is widely respected for his smooth, technically sound driving. With one race win and four podiums from 175 starts, the 29-year-old earns $6 million annually and is under contract until the end of 2026. Speculation about a move to a bigger team continues to swirl.

9. Pierre Gasly – $12 million

Gasly has rebuilt his reputation at Alpine after his 2019 Red Bull demotion. He now earns $12 million a year and continues to deliver steady performances. The Frenchman scored 42 points in 2024 to finish 10th overall and remains under contract until 2028.

8. Carlos Sainz – $19 million

Sainz moved to Williams for the 2025 season, but so far, results have been underwhelming. The former Ferrari driver has managed only one podium in 19 starts. With a $19 million salary, the pressure is on for Sainz to produce better results by the time his deal ends in 2026.

7. Oscar Piastri – $25.9 million

Piastri is leading the 2025 Drivers' Championship and shaping up as a future world champion. With nine wins and 24 podiums in just 65 starts, the 24-year-old has quickly become one of F1’s most exciting talents. McLaren will be eager to extend his deal, currently set through 2028.

6. Charles Leclerc – $27 million

Leclerc’s talent is unquestioned, but 2025 has been another tough year at Ferrari. Despite six podiums, he hasn’t claimed a race win in 19 starts. Holding the unfortunate record for most poles without a title (28), Leclerc may explore other options when his contract expires in 2026.

5. Fernando Alonso – $27.5 million

A two-time world champion with 32 wins, Alonso is still competing fiercely at 44. With 420 starts under his belt, his experience is unmatched. He’s made it clear he’s not ready to retire just yet and still believes in his ability to win.

4. George Russell – $30 million

Russell has joined F1’s financial elite after signing a $30 million-per-year deal with Mercedes. Though he hasn’t won a title yet, he’s one of the most consistent drivers on the grid, with five wins and 966 career points over 147 starts.

3. Lando Norris – $35 million

Norris earns significantly more than teammate Piastri, despite both drivers having nine wins apiece. With 41 podiums in 147 starts, Norris remains a fan favorite and a cornerstone of McLaren’s plans. His contract runs through the end of 2027.

2. Lewis Hamilton – $57 million

Hamilton’s blockbuster move to Ferrari came with a $57 million salary, but results have yet to follow. The seven-time champion has gone 19 races without a podium in red. Ferrari still believes in his pedigree, hoping for a turnaround in 2026.

1. Max Verstappen – $75 million

Topping the list is Verstappen, who earns a staggering $75 million per year at Red Bull. The four-time defending world champion is gunning for a fifth straight title and has recently closed the gap to championship leader Piastri. His long-term deal runs until 2028, though performance clauses could allow an early exit if Red Bull falters.