The 2025 F1 season is already packed with action — and the paychecks are just as spectacular. GQ Australia has unveiled the full list of Formula 1 driver salaries for the year. From Verstappen to Bearman, here’s who’s making what on the grid.
Verstappen leads — on track and on salary
Max Verstappen tops the list again with a staggering $65 million base salary. The Red Bull star has been nearly untouchable for years and shows no sign of slowing down — either in performance or in earnings.
Lewis Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, is just behind at $60 million. Despite the switch from Mercedes, his market value remains sky-high.
Leclerc, Norris and Alonso round out the elite
In third place, Charles Leclerc pulls in $34 million at Ferrari. It’s a big number for a driver with only five wins — but 43 podiums help justify the paycheck.
Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso each earn $20 million, balancing youth and experience at McLaren and Aston Martin respectively.
More on Alonso’s long-term ambitions with Aston Martin
Rising stars, rising salaries
George Russell earns $15 million at Mercedes, leading the team through its post-Hamilton transition. New teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli enters the big leagues with a $2 million rookie deal — but expectations are high.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri is already up to $6 million, with a long-term contract that’s set to grow fast if results keep coming.
A new generation cashing in
Youngsters like Jack Doohan, Liam Lawson, and Ollie Bearman are starting their careers with $1 million salaries — a far cry from the paychecks of previous rookie eras. But in today’s F1, potential is money.
Even Yuki Tsunoda, now with Red Bull, has doubled his earnings to $2 million for 2025.
Top 5 Highest-Paid F1 Drivers – 2025
| Rank | Driver | Team | Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | $65M |
| 2 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | $60M |
| 3 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | $34M |
| 4 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | $20M |
| 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren | $20M |
