P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 crowned a new champion in 2025; however, in a sport as prestigious as F1, paychecks are worth far more than simply being champion.
In 2025, Formula 1 saw a new champion crowned, highlighting the sport’s prestigious nature where paychecks often hold more value than the title itself. Forbes recently disclosed the highest-paid F1 drivers of 2025, showcasing how on-track performance does not always align with earnings due to factors like experience and marketability shaping salaries. The top 10 earners amassed a jaw-dropping $363 million in salaries and bonuses, signifying a 15% increase from 2024 and a whopping 72% rise since 2021, underscoring the immense growth of the sport.
Despite securing his maiden championship, Lando Norris fell short of being the highest-paid driver in 2025, with that honor once again going to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Verstappen’s estimated $67 million income overshadowed even seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton’s earnings of $70.5 million, emphasizing how star power and marketability outweigh racing results when it comes to lucrative salaries in modern-day F1.
McLaren’s resurgence was reflected not only in their racing success but also in their drivers’ earnings, with Norris finishing third in the earning ranks at $57.5 million. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also secured spots in the top 5 earners, despite what some deemed as ‘disappointing’ seasons in 2025. Additionally, seasoned drivers like Fernando Alonso and rising stars like George Russell were well represented in the list, further emphasizing the diverse range of talent and pay scales within the competitive world of Formula 1.
