Forbes reveals 2025 F1 rich list, with one rookie raising eyebrows

Forbes has dropped its annual estimate of Formula 1’s top earners for 2025, and – stop us if you’ve heard this one before – the money ladder looks rather different from the championship standings.

The usual financial titans occupy the familiar top two rungs, even if their on-track seasons didn’t go entirely to script.

As always, a gentle reminder: these figures rely on a cocktail of financial documents, legal breadcrumbs, off-the-record whispers and educated guesswork. F1 driver contracts are guarded with the secrecy of nuclear codes, so consider these numbers less gospel and more “best-informed speculation.”

Verstappen Still Leads… at the Bank

Max Verstappen may have missed his fifth world title by a razor-thin two points, but according to Forbes, he remains the sport’s highest-paid driver – with an estimated $76 million rolling his way.

Most of that comes from a colossal $65 million base salary, with performance bonuses swelling the total.

The Dutchman now eyes the sweeping 2026 regulations as his chance to reset the narrative and start a new trophy streak – though his business manager is clearly doing just fine already.

Second on the money list: Lewis Hamilton, supposedly taking home a cool $70.5 million during his first season draped in Ferrari red.

The seven-time champion’s year was anything but smooth; he finished sixth in the standings and trailed team-mate Charles Leclerc.

But Ferrari, apparently, pays for both pedigree and star power – not just podiums… fortunately for Lewis.

Norris Tops the Championship, Takes Third in Pay

The actual 2025 world champion, Lando Norris, lands third with an estimated $57.5 million. His base salary? A reportedly relatively modest $18 million. His bonus haul? Nearly $40 million!

If accuracy holds – and again, we’re dealing with estimates – Norris may want to send McLaren’s finance department a fruit basket for Christmas.

Fourth place goes to Charles Leclerc with $30 million, reportedly without a single bonus payout, despite a 242-point season.

Either Ferrari’s incentive structure is particularly unforgiving, or Forbes’ sources are holding their cards especially close.

Next comes a lineup of familiar names: Oscar Piastri, Fernando Alonso, George Russell, Lance Stroll and Carlos Sainz.

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Bringing up the rear of the top ten is Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, whom Forbes rather boldly pegs at a $5 million base salary and a total of $12.5 million once bonuses are tallied.

Given his rookie status – and the fact that teenage apprentices don’t typically command superstar contracts – this figure is one of the more eyebrow-raising entries on the list. Even by Forbes’ own estimate-heavy standards, it stretches credulity.

What’s Missing? Almost Everything Drivers Don’t Want You to See

Forbes’ tally only covers income tied directly to teams—no personal sponsors, no merch empires, no influencer-adjacent revenue streams, and certainly no tax liabilities.

In other words, the real earnings would probably require a team of forensic accountants and a subpoena.

Still, even with the necessary grains of salt, the list tells a familiar story: championships may shift, but in Formula 1, star power almost always pays - and it pays handsomely.

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