With a base salary estimated at 60 million euros per year, Lewis Hamilton is preparing to establish a new financial standard in Formula 1. This amount, surpassing that of Max Verstappen in 2024, could redefine remuneration records in the sport automobile.
After a dazzling career at Mercedes, where he won seven world titles, Lewis Hamilton is preparing to begin a new era with Ferrari from the 2025 F1 season. According to Forbeshis new contract would be worth 120 million euros over two years, with an option to extend into 2027. This figure includes a base annual salary of 60 million euros, excluding performance bonuses.
This phenomenal amount puts Hamilton at the top of the highest paid drivers in F1, eclipsing Max Verstappen's 57 million euros base salary at Red Bull in 2024. Verstappen, a four-time consecutive world champion, had reached a total of 70 million euros thanks to its bonuses.
Bonuses, a key element of income
Hamilton could further increase his earnings with strong performances on track. A successful 2025 season with Ferrari could inflate his bonuses, positioning him far ahead of his rivals in terms of total revenue.
The example of Lando Norris illustrates this potential well. In 2024, the Briton, thanks to his second place in the championship and McLaren's victory in the F1 constructors' standings, increased his income from 11 to 33 million euros, mainly thanks to bonuses. On the other hand, other drivers like Charles Leclerc or Fernando Alonso, despite high salaries, have failed to capitalize on comparable bonuses due to lower performances.
Ferrari: a new challenge for Hamilton
Beyond the financial aspect, Hamilton's transfer to Ferrari symbolizes a desire to take on one last challenge in his legendary career. Racing in the iconic colors of the Scuderia could be the opportunity to realize a long-held dream while setting new records on and off the track.
With this historic contract, Hamilton continues to cement his legacy as one of the biggest names in F1 history.
Ranking of the highest paid pilots in 2024:
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) : 70 million euros
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) : 54 million euros
- Lando Norris (McLaren) : 33 million euros
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) : 26 million euros
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) : 25 million euros
- George Russell (Mercedes) : 22 million euros
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) : 21 million euros
- Sergio Perez (Red Bull) : 18 million euros
- Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) : 18 million euros
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) : 11 million euros