The 2025 Formula 1 season reaches its dramatic conclusion this weekend at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with a thrilling three-way battle for the World Drivers' Championship. As the final chequered flag falls, each driver will collect their last pay packet of the year, but the financial standings are as fiercely contested as the on-track action.
F1 Driver Salaries: The 2025 Grid Ranked
Topping the earnings chart, as expected, is reigning champion Max Verstappen. The Dutch star commands a colossal £50 million per year from his Red Bull contract, bolstered by substantial bonuses for race wins and podium finishes.
In second place is the legendary Lewis Hamilton, who earns an impressive £45 million annually from Mercedes. His future Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, takes third with a £25 million yearly salary.
The midfield is packed with talent and significant earnings:
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) and Lando Norris (McLaren) each earn £15 million.
- George Russell (Mercedes) secures £11 million.
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) and Carlos Sainz Jr each take home £7.5 million.
Further down the list, Alexander Albon (Williams) earns £6m, while Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) and Esteban Ocon (Haas) each receive £5.2m. Title contender Oscar Piastri of McLaren is on £4.4 million for the season.
The lower end of the salary scale features Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) on £2.2m, with Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Yuki Tsunoda each earning £1.5m. Rookies Ollie Bearman, Jack Doohan, Issack Hadjar, and Liam Lawson are estimated to make around £750,000 each.
What Does The F1 World Champion Earn?
In a surprising twist for many sports fans, the driver who wins the World Championship does not receive a direct cash prize from Formula 1 for securing the title. This is consistent across all Grand Prix victories, where prize money is awarded to the teams, not the drivers individually.
However, the champion can almost certainly expect a very substantial performance bonus written into their contract by their team. For Verstappen, a fifth consecutive title would trigger huge incentives. For either Norris or Piastri, a maiden championship win would likely lead to a massively lucrative new contract and significant bonuses.
The Title Showdown in Abu Dhabi
The stage is set for a phenomenal finale. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have been locked in a season-long duel at the top of the standings for McLaren. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen has staged a late, perfectly timed charge to threaten both and aim for a fifth straight crown.
With everything on the line this Sunday in Abu Dhabi, the financial rewards for success, though not directly paid by F1, will be life-changing for the driver who lifts the ultimate trophy.
