
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Move Shatters F1 Salary Records: The King Reclaims His Throne in 2025!
Lewis Hamilton is poised to reclaim his status as Formula 1’s highest-paid driver in 2025, thanks to a landmark deal with Ferrari. After years of dominance atop the earnings list, Hamilton’s salary was recently surpassed by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, whose performance-based bonuses, including championship victories, pushed his income to record highs. However, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is set to reverse this trend.
According to Forbes, Hamilton’s new contract will set a salary benchmark in F1, reflecting Ferrari’s significant investment in building a championship-contending team. His future teammate, Charles Leclerc, will also enjoy a substantial pay increase in 2025, owing to a lucrative contract extension signed last year. This dynamic duo underscores Ferrari’s determination to challenge Red Bull’s dominance and claim both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
Meanwhile, Red Bull has restructured its lineup, replacing Sergio Perez—last season’s eighth-highest earner—with rising star Liam Lawson. This shift signals Red Bull’s focus on youth and adaptability alongside Verstappen.
Elsewhere, McLaren continues to invest heavily in its future, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri forming one of the grid’s most financially robust driver pairings. As the 2025 season approaches, F1’s financial landscape reflects an intense competition both on and off the track, with Hamilton leading the charge once more.
F1’s highest paid drivers
F1’s highest paid drivers in 2024 | ||
Driver | Salary | Bonuses |
Max Verstappen | $60m | $15m |
Lewis Hamilton | $57m | £2m |
Lando Norris | $12m | $23m |
Fernando Alonso | $24m | $3.5m |
Charles Leclerc | $15m | $12m |
George Russell | $15m | $8m |
Oscar Piastri | $5m | $17m |
Sergio Perez | $12m | $7.5m |
Carlos Sainz | $10m | $9m |
Pierre Gasly | $10m | $2m |
Estimated by Forbes |