Lewis Hamilton tops 2025 F1 rich list with $70m – Charles Leclerc earns less than half

Lewis Hamilton tops 2025 F1 rich list with $70m – Charles Leclerc earns less than half. Discover the latest analysis of Ferrari’s 2025 driver salaries.

Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, 2025 F1

In an increasingly competitive paddock, where drivers constantly strive to prove their worth, Ferrari finds itself once again in the spotlight. Salary discussions have become a key lens to understand the balance, pressures, and ambitions driving the season.

As happens every year, Forbes published its highly anticipated overview of Formula 1 driver earnings, revealing which drivers were among the best-paid in 2025. The latest list highlights staggering figures and reflects a championship where driver contracts continue to grow, mirroring the economic and media value of a sport that never stops evolving.

According to Forbes, the ten highest-paid drivers of the 2025 season earned a combined total of around $363 million. This marks a significant increase compared to the previous year, when the total reached $317 million. These numbers clearly show how Formula 1’s economic footprint continues to expand, driven by audience growth, sponsorships, and on-track performance.

Beyond contracts and performance: what’s behind the numbers

The study is based exclusively on guaranteed salaries from teams and performance-related bonuses. Unlike sports like football or the NBA, earnings from commercial activities or off-track collaborations are not included, even though they often form an important part of many drivers’ income. This ranking therefore offers a “pure” picture of earnings derived solely from on-track performance.

The logic governing salaries is quite clear. Experienced drivers with top teams earn significantly higher pay, often with substantial bonuses linked to victories and world championships. Younger drivers or those at less competitive teams start with smaller contracts but can receive generous rewards for scoring points, podiums, or unexpected successes. Contractually, freedom to strike deals with external brands is not unlimited. A driver’s image is often bound by internal team rules and pre-existing partnerships, making it not always possible to turn popularity into lucrative advertising campaigns, although many still attempt to do so outside the paddock.