How Much Every F1 Driver Must Pay to Race in the 2025 Season – Ranked

One of the most fascinating aspects of Formula 1 is the cost of competing at the highest level, and that extends beyond team budgets and car development. Every driver must pay an annual Super License Fee, which is directly tied to their performance in the previous season. The better they perform, the more they have to pay.

This system means that while rookies and lower-ranked drivers face relatively modest fees, top-tier competitors like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris must shell out staggering amounts. We’ve taken a closer look at how much each driver has paid for their 2025 Super License, ranking them from the lowest to the highest.

20. Gabriel Bortoleto – £8,673

As a rookie in Formula 1, Gabriel Bortoleto paid the minimum required fee. Since he did not score any points in the 2024 season, he was only obligated to cover the base cost. His fee will increase if he secures points in his debut year.

19. Kimi Antonelli – £8,673

Kimi Antonelli also starts his F1 journey at the lowest possible cost. The young Italian has yet to prove himself at the highest level, but if he performs well, he could see a major jump in his Super License fee next year.

18. Jack Doohan – £8,673

Another promising talent, Jack Doohan enters the 2025 season with the same base fee as other rookies. His goal will be to establish himself in Formula 1 and potentially earn enough points to justify a higher fee in 2026.

17. Liam Lawson – £8,673

Despite previous experience as a reserve driver, Liam Lawson did not accumulate enough points in 2024 to surpass the minimum fee. However, he has already shown potential and could see his cost increase in future seasons.

16. Oliver Bearman – £8,673

Ferrari’s young prospect Oliver Bearman enters the 2025 season at the lowest possible cost. His fee reflects his lack of points from last year, but with the right opportunities, that could change rapidly.

15. Alexander Albon – £12,171

Williams driver Alexander Albon managed to score two points in 2024, slightly increasing his fee above the base level. While his total remains low compared to top-tier drivers, it still reflects his ability to fight for results in the midfield.

14. Esteban Ocon – £23,026

Esteban Ocon endured a challenging season, finishing with eight points in 2024. His fee places him in the lower half of the grid, highlighting Alpine’s struggles to compete consistently.

13. Lance Stroll – £26,186

Lance Stroll’s 10-point total from 2024 sees him just above Ocon in Super License costs. While his fee is higher than some midfield rivals, he will be aiming for a stronger season to justify Aston Martin’s continued investment in him.

12. Yuki Tsunoda – £38,452

Yuki Tsunoda’s 17-point haul means he faces a noticeably higher fee than some of his closest competitors. This reflects his steady progress as he aims to establish himself as a key player in the midfield.

11. Nico Hülkenberg – £65,956

Nico Hülkenberg’s 33 points from 2024 led to a significant increase in his Super License fee. The experienced German proved he can still deliver strong performances, which is reflected in his position on this list.

10. Pierre Gasly – £69,949

Pierre Gasly finished the season with 35 points, placing him among the more expensive midfield drivers. His fee suggests he had a competitive, yet inconsistent, year with Alpine.

9. Fernando Alonso – £105,655

Despite Aston Martin’s decline in performance, Fernando Alonso still managed 56 points in 2024. This means his Super License fee remains substantial, though it is lower than last year due to fewer podiums.

8. Sergio Pérez – £224,020

Sergio Pérez had a turbulent season at Red Bull but still accumulated 123 points. His Super License fee reflects a solid, yet underwhelming, performance for a driver in one of the grid’s most dominant cars.

7. Lewis Hamilton – £362,262

The seven-time world champion scored 202 points, leading to a sizable Super License fee. While still a top performer, Hamilton’s cost is lower than some rivals due to Mercedes’ relative struggles in 2024.

6. George Russell – £473,428

George Russell’s 266 points placed him slightly ahead of Hamilton in both the championship and license fees. His growing consistency means he remains one of the more expensive drivers on the grid.

5. Carlos Sainz Jr. – £514,822

Carlos Sainz had a strong 2024 season, securing 290 points. His Super License fee is among the highest in F1, demonstrating his impressive consistency for Ferrari.

4. Oscar Piastri – £518,367

McLaren’s rising star Oscar Piastri scored 292 points, resulting in one of the largest Super License fees of 2025. His cost signals his growing presence at the front of the grid.

3. Charles Leclerc – £631,495

Charles Leclerc had a fantastic year, collecting 356 points. His fee is one of the biggest, confirming his status as Ferrari’s leading title contender.

2. Lando Norris – £665,199

Lando Norris enjoyed a breakthrough season with 374 points, making him the second most expensive driver on the list. His high Super License cost is proof of McLaren’s resurgence and his ability to challenge at the front.

1. Max Verstappen – £775,499

Once again, Max Verstappen tops the list, paying the highest Super License fee in Formula 1. With 437 points in 2024, his dominance on track translates into the most expensive license of any driver. The three-time world champion continues to set records, both in performance and financial cost.