Charles Leclerc’s Dominance Over Lewis Hamilton in 2025 and the Controversy Over Ferrari Salaries
Charles Leclerc has been comfortably outperforming Lewis Hamilton across virtually every significant metric during the 2025 Formula 1 season. The Monegasque driver has claimed all five of Ferrari’s podium finishes so far, in addition to securing the team’s only pole position.
Entering the summer break, Charles Leclerc held a commanding 42-point lead in the championship, having finished ahead of Hamilton in 11 out of the 13 races where both drivers were classified. While he was expected to hold an edge in qualifying—where he currently leads 10-4—the extent of his superiority on Sundays has taken many by surprise.
It is important to note that Leclerc has not been racing against what could be considered a peak version of Lewis Hamilton. The pattern mirrors last season, when George Russell convincingly outperformed the seven-time world champion, who was struggling to find his form.
Despite this, Charles Leclerc’s consistently strong performances have not necessarily translated into the recognition one might expect in terms of remuneration. Many observers believe he would be fully justified in requesting a salary increase from Ferrari, given his results and contribution to the team.
The Disparity Between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Salaries
Currently, Charles Leclerc earns a base salary of £25 million at Ferrari, which rises to £39 million when bonuses are included. In contrast, Lewis Hamilton’s contract guarantees him £39 million, with the potential to earn up to a grid-leading £83 million through performance incentives and other clauses.
It is worth noting that Hamilton negotiated this lucrative deal during the 2023/24 winter period, following a comparatively strong season. Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, signed his contract extension just days before the announcement of Hamilton’s deal.
How much of Lewis Hamilton’s incentivized income will be realized in 2025 remains uncertain, given his struggles to reach the podium consistently. Nevertheless, according to F1 commentator Roger Benoit, the Monegasque is reportedly frustrated by the wide gap between his own earnings and Hamilton’s.
Having joined Ferrari in 2019, Charles Leclerc recently surpassed Felipe Massa to become the third longest-serving driver in the team’s history. Over the course of his tenure, he has claimed eight victories for the Scuderia. Roger Benoit explained that while the pairing of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc was once described as harmonious, the current dynamic with Hamilton is less straightforward. He added that the Monegasque is acutely aware that he earns significantly less than Hamilton, and that this financial disparity has caused some frustration.
Why the Ferrari Pay Gap Could Change Soon
Hamilton’s high salary is partly justified by the significant revenue he generates for Ferrari through sponsorship deals and merchandising. His contract reflects his status as both the most marketable and one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history.
The Monegasque driver, while also a global superstar in his own right, does not yet match Hamilton’s commercial reach. Within the Ferrari team, he is currently the third-highest earner, with Max Verstappen also ahead in terms of total compensation.
The future of the Charles Leclerc – Lewis Hamilton partnership at the Italian side remains uncertain. Legally, Lewis Hamilton’s contract runs at least through the end of 2026, but many insiders within the F1 paddock expect him to depart at the conclusion of this year. This speculation intensified after Hamilton hinted during the Hungarian Grand Prix that the team might consider replacing him.
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