Who is the richest formula one driver?

What does Max Verstappen earn in Formula 1? And how do the salaries of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton compare with those of the Dutchman? We discuss it in this blog post.

This is the best-earning driver

In 2025, Max Verstappen will again be the highest-paid F1 driver with an estimated salary of $65 million a year. The four-time world champion has a long-term contract with Red Bull and collects extra income from personal sponsorship deals.

Lewis Hamilton follows with a salary of $60 million, while Charles Leclerc is third with €34 million a year at Ferrari.

This is the least-earning driver

Isack Hadjar is preparing to enter Formula 1, but already upon his entry it is noticeable that he is the least paid driver on the grid. This is partly due to his status as less experienced and partly due to his faster breakthrough through the Red Bull Junior Team, where he has already proven himself in the lower classes.

What else do F1 drivers make money from?

• Sponsorship deals: Brands such as Puma, Tag Heuer and Monster Energy pay big bucks to partner with drivers.
• Bonuses: Extra payouts for wins, podium finishes and world championships.
• Merchandising: Popular drivers also earn through the sale of caps, shirts and other merchandise.
• Investment deals: Some drivers invest in businesses and real estate to generate extra income.

Read more about the new 2025 rules and drivers here, and stay tuned for our latest updates and content.