The richest Formula 1 drivers of 2024: the rankings. Who are the highest-paid drivers in Formula 1? Here’s the top 10 list for 2024.

Formula 1 drivers are among the highest-paid athletes in the world, often achieving staggering figures. Forbes has compiled a top 10 ranking of F1 driver salaries to identify the wealthiest or, at least, the best-paid drivers of the 2024 season. This ranking considers both base salaries and bonuses earned.

While the data isn’t 100% official, Forbes is a reliable source, making this ranking a good indicator of the actual earnings of F1 drivers in 2024.

In addition to salaries, drivers receive bonuses throughout the year as stipulated in their contracts. These bonuses can be for various reasons. For example, in 2023, Max Verstappen—on top of his $45 million base salary—achieved all the goals required to unlock the $25 million in bonuses outlined in his contract, bringing his total to $70 million. Furthermore, drivers also earn from sponsorship deals.

Currently, the top 10 list includes drivers from the four top teams—Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes—along with one driver from Alpine and one from Aston Martin.

The Richest F1 Drivers of 2024
According to Forbes, Max Verstappen ranks first. The four-time world champion earned $75 million in salary, including $15 million in bonuses. His base salary was approximately $60 million. Max Verstappen achieved this figure thanks to his nine victories during the 2024 season.

In second place is Lewis Hamilton, who earned $57 million over the season. In his final season with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton received $2 million in contractual bonuses.

Completing the podium is Lando Norris in third place. His earnings totaled $35 million, with $23 million coming from bonuses. The British driver successfully structured his contract to secure various extra rewards, significantly boosting his base salary.

Fernando Alonso is in fourth place. The two-time world champion earned $27.5 million from Aston Martin.

In fifth place is Charles Leclerc, who earned $27 million from Scuderia Ferrari. He maximized the bonuses in his contract, adding $12 million to his base salary. Had Ferrari won the Constructors’ Championship, his earnings would likely have been higher.

The Remaining Five on the List
In sixth place is George Russell. The British driver earned $23 million from Mercedes, finishing the season slightly ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the Drivers’ Championship—sixth place with 245 points versus Lewis Hamilton’s seventh-place 223 points.

Oscar Piastri ranks seventh with earnings of $22 million. Of this, $17 million came from bonuses during an excellent season in which the Australian claimed his first F1 victory.

In eighth place, Sergio Perez earned $19.5 million from Red Bull, including $7 million in bonuses.

Ninth place goes to Carlos Sainz in his final season with Scuderia Ferrari. Fifth in the Drivers’ Championship, he earned $19 million.

Rounding out the list is Pierre Gasly. His 42 points during the season reflect the solid results achieved by the Frenchman in a challenging Alpine car. He also finished tenth in the Drivers’ Championship, earning a salary of $12 million.