F1 drivers earn some of the biggest paychecks in sports. As of 2025, the wealthiest among them have built their fortunes through racing, sponsorships, and clever business moves, showing that smart thinking off the track is as powerful as speed on it.
10. Eddie Irvine – $120 million
Northern Irish driver Eddie Irvine, who raced for Ferrari and Jaguar during the 1990s, rounds out the top ten. He earned strong salaries in his F1 career, particularly as Ferrari’s No. 2 driver behind Michael Schumacher. However, most of his wealth came after racing.
Irvine invested heavily in real estate, especially in London and his native Northern Ireland, turning his F1 earnings into a property empire worth over $100 million. His smart post-career investments have made him one of the richest former drivers in the sport.
9. Mario Andretti – $130 million
Mario Andretti, though best known for his success in IndyCar and other series, also won the 1978 Formula 1 World Championship. He became one of motorsport’s most recognizable names, especially in the United States.
His wealth comes from decades of racing, sponsorship deals, and business ventures, including Andretti Autosport, which continues the family’s racing legacy. Even at 85, Andretti remains a respected figure and successful businessman.
8. Sebastian Vettel – $140 million
German driver Sebastian Vettel, who retired in 2022, won four consecutive world titles with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013. His Ferrari contract reportedly earned him about $40-50 million per year at its peak.
Off-track, Vettel was known for being private but invested in sustainable projects and classic cars. Since retiring, he’s become an environmental advocate and speaker, showing that post-racing purpose doesn’t stop wealth from growing.
7. Jenson Button – $150 million
Britain’s Jenson Button, the 2009 world champion, had one of F1’s longest careers, racing from 2000 to 2017. His biggest earnings came later at McLaren, where his salary increased and peaked at $23.1 million in 2014.
After leaving F1, Button built a career as a motorsport commentator, endurance racer, and entrepreneur. He also co-owns a racing team and continues to endorse automotive brands.
6. Niki Lauda – $200 million
The late Austrian legend Niki Lauda earned his fortune both inside and outside racing. After winning three world titles, Lauda became an aviation entrepreneur, founding Lauda Air and later working with Mercedes F1 as a non-executive chairman.
His role was vital in bringing Hamilton to Mercedes, one of F1’s most successful partnerships. When Lauda passed away in 2019, his estimated net worth was around $200 million, a result of smart business sense and sporting excellence.
5. Max Verstappen – $217 million
Dutch superstar Max Verstappen, the current face of Red Bull Racing, is on his way to becoming one of the wealthiest drivers ever. His current contract pays around $55 million a year, making him one of the best-paid athletes in the world.
Alongside salary and race bonuses, Verstappen has major deals with TAG Heuer, EA Sports, Heineken and Red Bull itself. Given his age, just 28 in 2025, his fortune is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
4. Kimi Räikkönen – $250 million
Kimi Räikkönen, nicknamed “The Iceman,” retired from Formula 1 in 2021 but remains among its richest figures. Known for his calm personality and strong performances, Räikkönen made millions through contracts with Ferrari and Alfa Romeo.
His biggest payday came from Ferrari, where he earned nearly $50 million annually during his world-title peak. Since retiring, he’s invested in motocross and other motorsports, helping maintain his wealth.
3. Fernando Alonso – $260 million
Spanish driver Fernando Alonso, now with Aston Martin, has built his wealth through both talent and endurance. Since debuting in 2001, he’s raced for major teams including Renault, Ferrari, and McLaren.
Alonso makes nearly $20 million annually, along with extra income from sponsorships with brands such as Kimoa, his personal fashion label, plus Bell Racing Helmets and Oakley. His long career and ongoing competitiveness at 44 show that steady success can pay off as much as winning championships.
2. Lewis Hamilton – $434 million
Britain’s Lewis Hamilton, also a seven-time world champion, is the wealthiest active driver in F1. He is currently reported to earn around $60 million per year with Ferrari, including bonuses. Off the track, Hamilton is a brand powerhouse, he works with Tommy Hilfiger, Monster Energy, and IWC Schaffhausen, among others.
He also invests in fashion, film, and vegan food companies, making him one of the most diversified athletes in terms of income sources.
1. Michael Schumacher– $600 million
Michael Schumacher is widely regarded as the richest Formula 1 driver of all time. The German legend has won seven world titles and dominated with Ferrari in the early 2000s. His earnings reached more than $80 million annually, supported by big sponsorships from Ferrari, Shell, and Deutsche Vermögensberatung.
Even after his retirement, licensing and image rights continue to generate income. Despite his long recovery from a severe skiing accident in 2013, Schumacher’s career success and global fame have kept his legacy and finances strong.
Why These Figures Differ
Net worth figures can differ since they are based on salaries, sponsorships, bonuses, property, and personal investments. While older drivers earned less during their racing days, many grew richer through their own business later. Modern drivers, with big contracts and global fame, continue to rise in these rankings as their careers go on.
The Bigger Picture
The fortunes of these ten drivers show that Formula 1 reward is more than speed. It values consistency, brand power, and smart financial planning. Drivers like Schumacher and Hamilton have set new standards for athlete earnings, while the rising stars like Verstappen proves that the next era of drivers will likely surpass even these numbers.
Written by Kinjal Walantra