The 2025 season of Formula 1 delivered sporting excitement until the final lap of the Abu Dhabi GP, but also an economic battle that was solved off the track. According to a report by Forbes magazine, the ten highest-paid drivers of the year earned a total of 363 million dollars in salaries and bonuses, which is 15% more than in 2024.
The list reflects a continuing trend: Max Verstappen remains the driver with the highest financial compensation at 76 million dollars, followed by Lewis Hamilton with 70.5 and the brand-new world champion, Lando Norris, with 57.5. The publication is based solely on contractual income and sporting prizes, excluding commercial deals and personal sponsors.
Additionally, Forbes highlights that drivers' salaries are not subject to the budget cap that applies to teams, which sustains a multimillion-dollar competition for talent in the category.
The 10 highest-paid drivers of 2025
1) Max Verstappen (Red Bull) — 76 M USD (Salary: 65 M / Bonus: 11 M)
2) Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) — 70.5 M USD (Salary: 70 M / Bonus: 0.5 M)
3) Lando Norris (McLaren) — 57.5 M USD (Salary: 18 M / Bonus: 39.5 M)
