The 2025 Formula 1 season will reach its climax in Abu Dhabi this weekend, with three drivers in contention for the title
Abbie Meehan Sports Writer U-35s
09:00, 07 Dec 2025
Who earns the most on the F1 grid?(Image: Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
As the 2025 Formula 1 season reaches its climax this weekend, each driver on the grid will receive their final pay packet from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. A three-way tussle for the top spot is underway between Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, with only one able to claim the World Drivers’ Championship title.
Norris has been neck-and-neck with Piastri in the F1 solo standings for most of the season, while Verstappen has timed his surge perfectly to threaten both McLaren drivers. It’s shaping up to be a thrilling race as all three drivers vie for the crown.
But what will the victor earn for lifting the trophy, and how much does each star rake in individually? Here, Mirror Sport provides a breakdown of the F1 drivers’ salaries and the world champion’s earnings.
F1 driver salaries ranked from highest to lowest
Unsurprisingly, four-time champion Max Verstappen tops the list as the highest earner on the F1 grid. According to Spotrac, the Dutchman pulls in nearly £50million annually from his Red Bull contract, with additional bonuses for each race win and podium finish.
READ MORE: F1 Abu Dhabi GP sees 9 drivers replaced including title contender because of strict ruleREAD MORE: Mercedes chief worried about Lewis Hamilton as statement made after Ferrari announcement
Veteran racer Lewis Hamilton comes in second with an annual salary of £45m, while his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc is some way behind in third, earning £25m per season. Aston Martin’s star Fernando Alonso is next in line with £15m per year, matching McLaren’s Norris who earns the same.
George Russell is raking in a cool £11m per season with Mercedes, while Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Carlos Sainz Jr are each pocketing £7.5m annually.
Williams’ Alexander Albon (£6m), Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg (£5.2m), Haas’ Esteban Ocon (£5.2m) and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri (£4.4m) all sit comfortably in the middle of the earnings pack. Lance Stroll takes home a more modest £2.2m per year, with three drivers just below him on £1.5m annually.
Max Verstappen earns the most(Image: Kym Illman/Getty Images)
Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto and Yuki Tsunoda all earn £1.5m annually, while Ollie Bearman, Jack Doohan, Issack Hadjar and Liam Lawson each make around £750,000 per year.
What does the World Championship winner get?
In an unusual twist compared to other sports, the World Championship victor won’t receive any extra cash for lifting the trophy. This is the same for every Grand Prix throughout the season, although the champion can likely expect a handsome bonus from their team for clinching the title.
Piastri and Norris are both vying for their maiden World Championship crown, while Verstappen is gunning for his fifth consecutive title. It all boils down to this final race, promising a thrilling finish between the trio.
Sky Sports launches discounted Formula 1 package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£43
£35
Sky
Get Sky Sports here
Formula 1 fans can watch every practice, qualifying and race live with Sky’s new Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in a new deal that saves £192.
As well as Sky Sports access, this includes more than 100 TV channels and free subscriptions to Netflix and Discovery+.
