F1 racing is one of the most glamorous and dangerous sports in the world - but with great risk comes great reward.
Top drivers can become fabulously wealthy, with multi-million pound contracts offered by the top car manufacturers to race - and ideally win - for their team.
And the sport has arguably never been as high profile, thanks to the hit Netflix documentary Formula 1: Drive to Survive which records the thrills and spills of each season - meaning more money is on the table than ever before.
The teams are notoriously secretive about money, but every year rumours circulate about the head-spinning contracts offered to the best of the best.
Of course these are only the baseline salaries, with millions more in bonuses offered to those who make the podium, win races, or triumph in the Drivers’ Championship.
Here are the 12 best paid F1 drivers in the world in 2025, according to the experts at racingnews365.
5. Lando Norris - £15.5 million
Also thought to be on around £15.5 million is McLaren's Lando Norris - currently in second place this season. He was runner-up last year and has won nine Grands Prix across seven seasons. | Getty Images
6. George Russell - £11.6 million
Mercedes' highest earning driver is George Russell - with a salary estimated at £11.6 million. The British driver has won five Formula One Grands Prix across seven seasons. | Getty Images
7. Carlos Sainz - £7.7 million
Spanish driver Carlos Sainz is paid around £7.7 million a year by Williams. He has won four Formula One Grands Prix across 11 seasons. | Getty Images
8. Pierre Gasly - £7.7 million
Also on a salary estimated at £7.7 million is Alpine driver Pierre Gasly. The French racing star has only one career win so far - the 2020 Italian Grand Prix. | Getty Images