Forbes magazine published the ranking of the top ten highest-paid Formula 1 drivers in 2025, totaling $363 million. Max Verstappen topped the list for the fourth consecutive year, while Argentine Franco Colapinto did not rank among the highest earners. Lando Norris, the season's champion, placed third.
The 2025 Formula 1 season ended this weekend, bringing significant prizes and bonuses to the drivers. According to Forbes, the top ten highest-paid accumulated $363 million in salaries and bonuses, a 15% increase from the previous year, due to salaries being excluded from the budget cap.
Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing topped the ranking with $76 million: $65 million in salary and $11 million in bonuses. Though he missed a fifth consecutive title, it marks his fourth year leading in earnings. Lewis Hamilton, in a lackluster debut with Ferrari, placed second with $70.5 million, including a record $70 million salary and $0.5 million in bonuses.
Lando Norris of McLaren became champion for the first time but ranked third with $57.5 million: $18 million salary, $10 million title bonus, and $39.5 million from performance. Others include Oscar Piastri (McLaren, $37.5 million), Charles Leclerc (Ferrari, $30 million), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin, $26.5 million), George Russell (Mercedes, $26 million), Lance Stroll (Aston Martin, $13.5 million), Carlos Sainz (Williams, $13 million), and Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes, $12.5 million).
Argentine Franco Colapinto, 22, did not make the list. He earned 41,000 euros per race and, not contesting all Grands Prix, ranked among the lowest paid. To bid farewell to the season, Colapinto posted a curious 'Forget it' on social media, already eyeing 2026 as Alpine's full-time driver alongside Pierre Gasly.