In a latest update, Forbes has just revealed the highest paid drivers from the world’s famous racing sport, ‘Formula 1’ or F1.
The richest drivers checklist revealed that Max Verstappen has topped the charts and has emerged as the highest-paid driver despite missing out on a fifth consecutive world championship.
As reported, the Dutchman finished the year just two points clear of Lando Norris at the top of the standings after a tense end to a dramatic season.
Although Verstappen is the highest earner on the grid, his basic salary does not exceed that of Lewis Hamilton, who endured a challenging first F1 season with Ferrari.
Because Hamilton raked in $70 million in salary, which is higher than Verstappen’s but thanks to bonuses earned by the Red Bull driver, it puts him at the top of the list, Forbes reports.
In addition, F1 driver Norris is third on the list, despite the fact that he ends the season with the world championship in his hands.
In addition, Briton Oscar Piastri of McLaren leads, while Charles Leclerc in the second Ferrari car completed the top five.
The other highest-paid drivers in a row include Fernando Alonso, George Russell, Lance Stroll, Carlos Sainz and Kimi Antonelli.
Apart from possible revelations in a financial file or legal proceedings, such as in the Stroll case, compensation figures for Formula 1 drivers are rarely made public. However, it is clear that contracts typically tie payment directly to on-track performance.
An experienced driver from a top team usually receives a generous guaranteed salary, plus bonuses for race victories or a championship. While less experienced drivers or drivers from smaller teams typically have lower salaries, but may receive significant bonuses for winning races or scoring championship points.
In practice, F1 drivers often have little room to pursue personal partnerships due to obligations to their teams and sponsors, which may require action and prohibit conflicting agreements within the same brand category.
As reported by Forbes, Hamilton is currently by far the most marketable driver on the grid, with an estimated $20 million off-track earnings in the 12 months ending in May, which helped him rank 22nd on Forbes’ 2025 list of the world’s highest-paid athletes.
Meanwhile, Verstappen earned around $6 million during the same period.
#1. $76 million – Max Verstappen
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#2. US$70.5 million – Lewis Hamilton
#3. US$57.5 million – Lando Norris
#4. US$37.5 million – Oscar Piastri
#5. US $30 million – Charles Leclerc
#6. $26.5 million – Fernando Alonso
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#7. $26 million – George Russell
#8. US$13.5 million – Lance Stroll
#9. $13 million – Carlos Sainz
#10. $12.5 million – Kimi Antonelli
