At first glance, it might seem like F1 prize money is a simple reflection of on-track performance—but the truth is far more complex. While finishing higher in the Constructors’ Championship certainly boosts a team’s earnings, Formula 1’s prize distribution is based on a multilayered system.
Each team’s final payout is calculated through a combination of three key components: their position in the 2024 standings, a decade-long performance bonus awarded to consistent top-three finishers, and, in Ferrari’s case, a special historic payment granted for its long-standing contribution to the sport. With the total prize pool for 2024 estimated at around £1 billion, these elements combine to create a unique payout structure that doesn’t always mirror the championship results.
10. Sauber – £45.7 million
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Finishing last in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship meant Sauber received the smallest share of the prize pot. With no historical bonuses or recent top-three finishes to boost their total, their earnings strictly reflect their 10th-place result on the track.
Williams collected a modest sum, driven primarily by their ninth-place finish. They also benefited from a small legacy bonus, having secured a single top-three result over the past decade, which added a slight bump to their overall payout.
8. Racing Bulls – £58.5 million
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As the rebranded AlphaTauri team, Racing Bulls capitalized on their improved on-track performance in 2024. They finished eighth in the championship but had no additional income from historical or legacy bonuses.
7. Haas – £65.3 million
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Haas earned their money solely through their seventh-place finish in the standings. While still a relatively new team in F1 terms, they have yet to qualify for any extra legacy-based income streams.
6. Alpine – £71.3 million
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Alpine secured sixth place in the standings, earning a solid payout based entirely on their on-track results. Like other midfield teams, they didn’t receive extra bonuses for past championship success.
5. Aston Martin – £78.0 million
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Aston Martin continued their upward momentum with a top-five finish in 2024, earning a sizable share of the performance-based prize pool. However, their lack of top-three finishes over the past decade limited their bonus income.
4. McLaren – £118.3 million
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Despite winning the Constructors’ Championship, McLaren ranked only fourth in total prize money. They benefited greatly from finishing first in 2024, but their lack of consistent top-three finishes in prior seasons reduced their legacy bonus. No historical bonus applied either.
3. Red Bull – £144.8 million
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Red Bull finished third in the standings but placed ahead of McLaren in prize money thanks to their dominant run from 2015 to 2023. Their legacy bonus significantly boosted their total despite a drop in current-season performance.
2. Mercedes – £164.8 million
Af Artes Max from Spain – Mercedes W11 / Lewis Hamilton / GBR / Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87400334
Mercedes earned more than Red Bull and McLaren, thanks to a massive legacy bonus reflecting their past dominance. Even though they only placed fourth in 2024, their 24 legacy points – the highest of any team – brought in over £79 million on top of their placement earnings.
1. Ferrari – £198.3 million
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Ferrari once again topped the prize money chart. A strong second-place finish in 2024 was just part of the story – their long-standing historical bonus and consistent top-three finishes over the last decade ensured they remained F1’s highest-earning team.
Rasmus Kristensen is a passionate content creator for Lente Desportiva, covering football, Formula 1, and rugby. Although still new to the media world, he’s already making waves with his sharp insights and engaging storytelling. With a fresh voice and fearless approach, Rasmus is quickly becoming one to watch in the world of sports journalism.
