Liam Lawson, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris,

The 20 Highest Paid F1 Drivers in 2025 – From Rising Stars to Racing Royalty

August 11, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Formula 1 is more than just high-speed racing—it's big business.
With billions invested by sponsors, manufacturers, and global broadcasters, it's no surprise that the sport's top stars are earning jaw-dropping salaries. From young rookies earning their first million to world champions commanding footballer-level wages, the 2025 F1 grid reflects both performance and star power.

In this list, we break down the 20 highest-paid Formula 1 drivers in 2025, ranked by their base salaries.

20. Ollie Bearman – £780,000

Oliver Bearman — Michael Potts F1 / Shutterstock.com

The young Brit made his full-time F1 debut with Haas in 2025 and is viewed as one of the most exciting rookies on the grid. Though his salary of £780k may be modest, it reflects his entry-level status and potential for growth. With raw pace and maturity beyond his years, Bearman is already turning heads.

19. Liam Lawson – £780,000

After several substitute appearances in the past, Lawson secured a permanent seat at Red Bull in 2025. Despite his low salary, he's driving for one of the top teams, and his performance could quickly push his earnings higher. His aggressive but controlled style fits the Red Bull mold perfectly.

18. Isack Hadjar – £780,000

Racing for Racing Bulls, Hadjar joins the 2025 season as another fresh talent from Red Bull's junior pipeline. His current earnings reflect his rookie status, but insiders suggest he’s already earning praise for his adaptability. Expect big things if he settles into the rhythm quickly.

17. Franco Colapinto – £780,000

The Argentine driver makes history as one of the few South Americans on the grid. Racing for Alpine, Colapinto is combining speed with market appeal. Though he earns under £1M, his commercial value and early promise could pave the way for a higher payday soon.

16. Yuki Tsunoda – £1.56 million

With several seasons under his belt, Tsunoda remains a reliable force for the newly rebranded Red Bull or Racing Bulls setup. His £1.56M salary reflects his experience and consistency. While not the flashiest driver, he delivers when it matters.

15. Gabriel Bortoleto – £1.56 million

Bortoleto joins Sauber with high expectations after his impressive performances in junior formulas. The Brazilian brings flair and ambition, earning a respectable £1.56M in his debut season. He’s one to watch if Sauber can deliver a competitive package.

14. Andrea Kimi Antonelli – £1.56 million

Touted as a future world champion, Antonelli steps into Mercedes at just 18 years old. Despite his youth, he's already commanding over £1.5M in salary. Mercedes clearly sees him as their long-term star, and his first few races have only reinforced that faith.

13. Lance Stroll – £2.34 million

Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll continues to occupy a secure seat, in part due to family ties, but also consistent performance. With a salary of £2.34M, he earns more than many rookies but trails top-tier drivers. Whether he can rise further remains to be seen.

12. Oscar Piastri – £4.68 million

Now in his second full season with McLaren, Piastri is proving to be a smart and smooth operator. His salary of £4.68M reflects his rising stock. McLaren see him as a cornerstone of their future and he continues to justify the hype.

11. Nico Hülkenberg – £5.46 million

Veteran German driver Nico Hülkenberg brings a wealth of experience to Sauber. Despite never reaching the podium, his technical feedback and steady hands earn him a solid £5.46M. He remains a dependable presence in the midfield.

10. Esteban Ocon – £5.46 million

Ocon now drives for Haas and is tasked with leading the team through a rebuild phase. With a salary matching Hülkenberg’s, he’s seen as a strategic driver capable of extracting results in tough conditions. His maturity and racecraft are key assets.

9. Alexander Albon – £6.24 million

Albon has revitalized his career at Williams, evolving into a true team leader. Earning £6.24M, he’s being compensated for his efforts in pulling Williams back toward the midfield. His calm under pressure and race pace have been widely praised.

8. Pierre Gasly – £7.8 million

At Alpine, Gasly remains a fiery and passionate competitor. His £7.8M salary ranks him among the sport’s top earners outside of championship contenders. Gasly is still chasing that elusive return to the podium and has the skill to get there.

7. Carlos Sainz Jr. – £7.8 million

Now with Williams after departing Ferrari, Sainz is one of the grid's most consistent performers. His £7.8M paycheck reflects his reputation as a team player and strong race finisher. He’s bringing experience and calm leadership to the Grove outfit.

6. George Russell – £11.7 million

Russell continues as Mercedes’ senior figure in 2025, guiding the team through a transitional phase. His salary of £11.7M highlights his importance to the Silver Arrows. Despite a few setbacks, he's proven he can battle with the very best.

5. Fernando Alonso – £15.6 million

At 44, Alonso remains a phenomenon in Formula 1. Driving for Aston Martin, his £15.6M salary reflects both his legendary status and current performance. He’s still competitive and shows no signs of slowing down mentally or physically.

4. Lando Norris – £15.6 million

McLaren’s poster boy continues to deliver both on and off the track. With £15.6M in earnings, Norris is now among the elite. Still chasing his first win, he’s closer than ever in 2025 and looks more focused than ever before.

3. Charles Leclerc – £26.52 million

Ferrari’s leading man, Leclerc commands over £26.5M in salary as the face of the Scuderia. Known for his speed and qualifying brilliance, he remains a title hopeful. The team is investing heavily in him for the long-term.

2. Lewis Hamilton – £46.8 million

Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari came with a massive salary boost, earning him £46.8M in 2025. At 40, he's chasing his record-breaking eighth title and still drawing global attention. His presence has rejuvenated Ferrari’s ambitions.

1. Max Verstappen – £50.7 million

Red Bull’s dominant force, Verstappen remains the highest-paid F1 driver in 2025 with a staggering £50.7M salary. Already a multi-time world champion, he continues to raise the bar. His blend of speed, focus, and consistency makes him the man to beat.