**Formula 1 Drivers Cash In: A Look at the Top Earners of 2025**
Fasten your seatbelts, folks! The world of Formula 1 (F1) just zoomed ahead to unprecedented financial heights, with drivers raking in a staggering total of $363 million this past season. This figure reflects a 15% increase over 2024 and a jaw-dropping 72% leap since Forbes first crunched the numbers back in 2021. So, why is there so much cash flowing in the fast lane? Let’s hit the gas and explore the factors behind this impressive surge in driver salaries and who is at the top of the earnings leaderboard.
To start, the rise in driver pay is largely influenced by the booming F1 business model. With fresh sponsorships and record-breaking prize money filling the coffers, F1 teams reported an average revenue of about $430 million last season. What’s more, the value of these teams has skyrocketed to an average of $3.6 billion, up from a mere $1.9 billion just a year earlier. In a sport where every second counts, it seems the financial game is shifting into high gear.
Another crucial factor fueling this financial frenzy is the implementation of a cost cap in 2021, currently set at around $170 million. This cap limits how much teams can spend on car development, but with driver salaries not included in that figure, teams are free to splurge on their star racers. It’s the ultimate win-win: drivers secure handsome contracts while teams bolster their competitive edge.
Now, let’s meet the heavyweights of the F1 circuit. Leading the pack is Max Verstappen, a 28-year-old sensation from the Netherlands, who drives for the Red Bull Racing Team. This season, Verstappen enjoyed total earnings of $76 million, broken down into $65 million in salary and $11 million in bonuses. Despite a rocky start, he managed to seize eight victories this year, finishing just two points shy of his fifth championship, demonstrating once again why he’s the reigning earnings champ.
Following closely behind is the legendary Lewis Hamilton, at the age of 40, he entered the season with big expectations but faced an uphill battle at Ferrari. With total earnings of $70.5 million, Hamilton’s breakdown includes a hefty $70 million salary, although his performance had him longing for a reset after a lackluster season where he failed to reach the podium even once. Let’s just say his “childhood dream” of driving for Ferrari became a bit of a nightmare on the race track this year, but he’s eyeing a rebound in the next season.
Finally, rounding out the top three is Lando Norris, a 26-year-old driver from McLaren. Norris had quite the remarkable season, banking $57.5 million—$18 million from his salary and a whopping $39.5 million in bonuses. After breaking into the winner’s circle with four victories, he claimed the drivers’ championship, making him the first McLaren champion since Hamilton in 2008. With his eyes firmly set on future success, Norris couldn’t be prouder of his team’s achievements.
In the world of F1, where speed and skill collide, the stakes—and the salaries—are soaring higher than ever. As driver contracts continue to shatter records, fans of motorsport can only buckle up and enjoy the exhilarating ride that lies ahead. Who knows what the next season will bring? One thing is for sure: the glamour and speed of Formula 1 are more alive than ever, and we can’t wait to see how this wealthy world of motorsport continues to evolve.
