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Fast cars, precise engineering, and unparalleled racing—these characteristics have set the standard for Formula 1 racing, but there’s more. The sport in 2025, however, has more streamers, sponsorships, and overflow race crowds, which helps boost its popularity. Because of these factors, there has been an increase in attention and the pay for the drivers. This report will find the drivers that have the fastest lap times and the most valuable contracts.
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – ~$55 million salary + endorsements
Dominating the pay and race track is the reigning triple world champion, Verstappen. Receiving numerous sponsor deals and contracts ensures that he sits at the top of F1’s salary ladder. Driving aggressively has allowed Verstappen to become the cornerstone of Red Bull’s success. Thus, he is and will always be the king of earnings.
2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – ~$50 million + endorsements
Making history in 2025, Hamilton was the first to swap the Mercedes silver look for that of the Ferrari red mask. Completing the transformation of red Ferrari overalls to silver was not only a success in racing but also helped boost the paychecks of the drivers.
Even with a profound experience coupled with a massive fanbase coupled with unrivaled marketability, Hamilton’s lifestyle range and his ventures in fashion maintain charity-based endorsements, which make him a financial giant in this day and age.
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)—~$36 million
Ferrari’s golden child, now paired with Hamilton, along with his multiple wins, has one of the highest base salaries in F1. Leclerc’s wins and the ability to challenge on almost any circuit make him a marketing gem. His market value goes up as Ferrari sharpens its title.
4. Lando Norris (McLaren)—~$30 million
McLaren placed a bet and won, and with the rest of the team, pushed Lando Norris from a cheeky rising star to a frontrunner in the league, giving him multiple podiums. His recent track record and massive social media presence won him a giant contract, which complements his age. Sponsors love his social media aura, which explains the belief that his paycheck comes from more than just victories.
5. George Russell (Mercedes) – ~$25 million
Having been given the frontrunner position just after Lewis Hamilton and taking his position, George Russell is known to be one of the calmest leaders in the league. His sponsorship is justified by the strong return on investment, as his shifting calmness and speed is a strong package. His recent salary is a good reflection on him being known as a workhorse.
Even though Russell is not as financially successful as Max or Lewis, he is still appreciated and recognized for steady growth in pay, as well as in his results.
NOTE:
Sergio Perez (Red Bull): Still remains a strong force and holds the position of second driver at Red Bull, earning approximately $13 million.
Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin): Although at the twilight of his career, he still remains a competitive force, earning approximately $15 million.
Oscar Piastri (McLaren): The young Aussie is on the right track to stardom with the newly extended contract and is currently rising to the bright position as one of the best drivers on the track.
Why These Figures Are So High
F1 salaries are much more complex than the simple formula of ‘number of laps x lap time,’ and F1 salaries assume drivers pay their team in the value of media exposure, sponsorship, and merchandise sold. The driver’s value on the world stage is ineluctably linked to the F1 brand that started in the 1950s. Each town that hosts a Grand Prix, from Miami to Singapore, is an arena, and every driver is an asset of the global brand, not just a ‘sportsman.’ The value of sponsorship on the brand is equally matched with the positive financial results of the team. A driver at the pinnacle of his career can single-handedly determine the team’s placement on the circuit. Paying a driver in the region of $30 million is merely tapping into one element of the team’s financial flow, completely justified.
The 2055 board displays the remarkable balance of the best drivers in the world, crowned stars, and bright newcomers. Undoubtedly Max and Hamilton, with their combined marketable success and value, are exposed to the highest pay of $1 million.
Leclerc, Norris, and Russell exemplify future talents with deep pockets. One complete certainty is that with the continued expansion of Formula 1, the numbers on the contracts of these drivers will continue to increase, and these numbers will increase as fast as the cars.
