Forbes 2025 F1 Rich List Reveals Star Power's Premium, with a Rookie Surprise
Forbes estimates Max Verstappen as F1's top earner in 2025 at $76M, with Lewis Hamilton second at $70.5M. Champion Lando Norris ranks third with $57.5M, largely from bonuses. The list's surprise is Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli at an estimated $12.5M, a high figure for a newcomer.
Forbes has released its annual estimates of Formula 1's top earners for 2025, revealing a financial hierarchy that differs sharply from the championship standings. Max Verstappen, despite narrowly missing the title, leads with an estimated $76 million, while champion Lando Norris ranks third. The list's most surprising entry is Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, whose estimated $12.5 million payout raises eyebrows given his newcomer status.
Why it matters:
The financial rankings underscore that in F1, historic prestige and marketability often translate to earnings as powerfully as recent on-track success. Lewis Hamilton's high placement in his first Ferrari season, despite a difficult year, highlights this dynamic. The estimates also provide a rare, albeit speculative, glimpse into the massive financial commitments teams make to secure and retain top talent, revealing the sport's economic priorities.
The details:
- Top Earners: Max Verstappen's estimated $76 million income is anchored by a $65 million base salary from Red Bull. Lewis Hamilton follows at $70.5 million in his debut Ferrari year.
- The Champion's Pay: 2025 title-winner Lando Norris is estimated to have earned $57.5 million, with nearly $40 million reportedly coming from performance bonuses on a relatively modest $18 million base salary at McLaren.
- The Rookie Anomaly: Forbes estimates Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli earned $12.5 million, including a $5 million base salary. This figure is considered notably high for a first-year driver and represents one of the report's more speculative claims.
- Notable Omissions: The Forbes tally covers only team-related salary and bonuses, excluding all personal sponsorship deals, merchandise revenue, and other external income streams, meaning actual total earnings are significantly higher and far less transparent.
The big picture:
The list reinforces the enduring financial clout of established superstars, regardless of a single season's results. It also highlights the lucrative bonus structures in place for drivers at top teams, as seen with Norris's earnings. While the figures are estimates based on financial documents and industry sources—not confirmed contracts—they paint a consistent picture of a sport where driver value is a complex equation of speed, brand, and legacy.