Formula 1’s financial strength continues to rise, with four of the sport’s biggest names appearing in Sportico’s 2026 list of the world’s 100 highest-paid athletes. The figures show how the championship’s global growth has helped its stars rival football, basketball, and golf’s biggest earners.
Formula 1’s financial strength continues to rise, with four of the sport’s biggest names appearing in Sportico’s 2026 list of the world’s 100 highest-paid athletes.
The figures show how the championship’s global growth has helped its stars rival football, basketball, and golf’s biggest earners.
The rankings reflect athlete income during 2025, combining race salaries, prize money, and commercial endorsements. With sponsorship deals expanding and more fans engaging across new markets, Formula 1 has become one of the most lucrative sports in the world.
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen both placed inside the top 15, while Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri also featured in the top 100. Together, the four drivers earned over $280 million during the year.
Four Formula 1 drivers make Sportico’s 2025 top 100 list
Sportico’s latest report confirmed that four current Formula 1 drivers ranked among the highest-earning athletes in 2025. Each of them combined on-track success with strong brand partnerships, showing how the sport’s appeal continues to grow beyond racing.
Lewis Hamilton ranked 11th overall with total earnings of $100 million. His salary accounted for 70 million, while endorsements contributed another 30 million. The seven-time world champion remains one of the most recognisable athletes in global sport, with sponsorships spanning fashion, technology, and environmental projects.
Max Verstappen followed closely in 15th place with total earnings of $83 million. He earned $75 million in salary and $8 million through endorsements. His continued dominance underlined Red Bull’s financial commitment to rewarding sustained excellence on the track.
Lando Norris secured the 32nd position with $59 million in total income. His salary stood at $54 million, while commercial deals added another $5 million. The McLaren driver has become one of the most marketable young stars in the paddock, known for his personality and growing international following.
Oscar Piastri completed the list of Formula 1 drivers at 93rd place. The Australian talent earned $35 million in salary and $3 million from endorsements, bringing his total for 2025 to $38 million. His rapid rise highlights the increasing value of emerging drivers in today’s global Formula 1 economy.
Formula 1’s global growth continues
The inclusion of Hamilton, Verstappen, Norris, and Piastri reflects Formula 1’s wider commercial expansion. Major television deals, sponsorship growth, and increasing popularity across North America, Asia, and the Middle East have strengthened the sport’s financial position.
Hamilton and Verstappen remain the financial leaders of the grid, while Norris and Piastri represent a new generation of talent shaping the sport’s future both on and off the track.
With Formula 1’s global reach continuing to grow, its top drivers are now among the world’s most financially successful athletes.
Category: General Sports
