The sport’s top racers are earning annual base salaries that often exceed some global business magnates. Beyond the glitz and glamour lies a complex pay structure that includes base salary, incentives, and personal endorsements.
All of these shape the true earnings, making the numbers wild.
The stalwarts of the sport
Max Verstappen leads the pack with a base salary of approximately ₹580 crore. Right behind him stands Lewis Hamilton, who is currently attached to Scuderia Ferrari accounts at roughly ₹536 crore annually. The third spot is currently taken by Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), who has a base income of around ₹303 crore in 2025. There are mid-tier talents like Lando Norris (McLaren) and Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) whose salaries are estimated at around ₹178 crore.
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More than just salary: The hidden windfalls
The racers also acquire money through the race-win bonuses, podium incentives, and personal sponsorships. These can sometimes double or even triple a driver’s real take-home. The pay gap is steep for younger or newer drivers. This dynamic emphasises not just the talent divide on the track but also the economic divide behind the visor. Many racers acquire their wealth through endorsements, exclusive deals, and personal branding.
The F1 racers with star power and global appeal may receive more off-track earnings or exceed their F1 salaries.
In 2025, F1 is not just about speed and strategy; rather, it is a big business. The racers’ base salaries reach ₹500–600 crore, and bonuses plus endorsements help the earnings grow even higher. The sport continues to blur the lines between elite athletics and high-stakes corporate finance.
