The richest F1 drivers: who is the highest paid man on the grid?

10. Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber

Salary: $11.1 million

A year ago, it seemed like Nico Hulkenberg’s journeyman career would come to an end once his contract expired at the end of 2024. But then, he carried Haas from a last placed 2023 team finish all the way up to seventh in the team standings in 2024. He also amassed ten points finishes on his way to placing 11th in the driver’s championship.

That display was enough to earn Hulkenberg a new contract with Sauber that makes him one of the top ten highest paid F1 drivers. While the team switch may seem like a step backwards for Hulkenberg, seeing as Sauber finished last in the team standings in 2024, remember that Audi is taking over the team from next year. That’s an upgrade, one that could result in Hulkenberg’s first ever podium.

9. Alex Albon, Williams

Salary: $12.7 million

A mainstay at Williams for a number of seasons now, Alex Albon faces fresh competition from new teammate Carlos Sainz. While Albon signed a two-year contract extension in 2024, to earn another one he’ll likely need to keep up with the highly-touted Sainz.

8. Pierre Gasly, Alpine

Salary: $15 million

With both of Alpine’s full-time drivers, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, off contract at the conclusion of the 2024 season, the team had decisions to make. Ultimately, it was Gasly who earned a contract extension, while Ocon was let go, eventually signing with Haas.

Gasly will be immediately tested once more this year, with new rookie teammate Jack Doohan applying pressure to perform.

7. Carlos Sainz, Williams

Salary: $15.9 million

Carlos Sainz is one of the most respected and well-paid drivers on the F1 roster, but after he was cast aside by Ferrari to make way for Lewis Hamilton, Sainz had to find a new employer.

He landed on Williams, signing a new contract that will nab him upwards of $15 million per year. Not bad for a guy who only has four F1 victories to his name – though that’s two more than any of us have, we suppose.

6. George Russell, Mercedes

Salary: $23.8 million 

George Russell has proven himself to be more than deserving of a high salary, and of being the future of Mercedes now that Lewis Hamilton has departed.

Whether Russell can surpass Hamilton remains to be seen, but with the amount he’s being paid, Mercedes certainly think he can do it. Although, he will have to earn a new contract with the team beyond 2025, with his current deal expiring at the end of this season.

5. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin

Salary: $31 million

Proving that mileage does not decrease value, as it’s known to do with cars, Fernando Alonso is the oldest driver on the F1 grid, but still takes home a hefty pay check.

Alonso returned from a multi-season F1 hiatus in 2021 to get on the podium for the first time in seven years. Alonso’s driving ability clearly hasn’t dwindled as he’s entered his fifth decade.

4. Lando Norris, McLaren

Salary: $31.7 million

Lando Norris holds two important cards in the game of earning a massive F1 contract: youth and talent.

McLaren obviously envisions a bright future with Norris at the wheel, after securing the Brit’s talents with a costly new contract signed in 2023. McLaren’s potential is through the roof with Norris and Aussie young gun Oscar Piastri under contract long-term, with the team already winning the constructor’s championship in 2024. Could the driver’s championship be on the cards this season?

3. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

Salary: $53.9 million

Leclerc once described himself as “too greedy” after a mistake cost him points in a crucial race. Clearly, he doesn’t have the same attitude when it comes to his salary. Whether Leclerc overtakes Verstappen to win a championship or descends into obscurity, he won’t be short on cash.

2. Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Salary: $95 million

Lewis Hamilton remains F1’s biggest name and most popular driver. For many years, he would’ve topped this list. But much like his on-track fortunes, he’s been overtaken.

Hamilton will look to revitalise his career at Ferari this season, a move that has also seen him receive a significant pay rise.

1. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 

Salary: $103 million

Coming off his fourth consecutive F1 championship, words don’t do Max Verstappen’s talent justice – otherworldly may be the closest we can get.

Verstappen is a superstar. As he’s still only 27 years old, we can expect the Dutchman to continue dominating the F1 circuit for years to come. His current contract will keep him at Red Bull until at least 2028, when an even more lucrative pay-day could be in order.