Top five richest drivers in F1 history

It is no secret that Formula 1 drivers receive a handsome salary, with the sport’s top stars regularly featuring near the summit of global sporting earnings lists.

The current F1 grid is among the highest paid in the championship’s history, driven by the sport’s surge in worldwide popularity.

But which drivers have earned the most over the course of Formula 1’s history?

According to GQ Sports, the drivers listed below have accumulated the greatest fortunes, leaving their net worth well clear of the rest.

5. Niki Lauda

Niki Lauda is firmly etched in the history of Formula 1. A three-time world champion, he spent his final years contributing to the success of the dominant Mercedes team.

Beyond the racetrack, Lauda was deeply involved in the aviation industry, founding and managing three airlines.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, he played a pivotal role in Mercedes’ championship-winning campaigns of the 2010s, supporting Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg to title victories.

Net worth: $203,000,000 / €172,000,000 / £150,000,000 / AUD$303,350,000

4. Kimi Raikkonen

Kimi Raikkonen stepped away from Formula 1 at the end of the 2021 season, capping a long and distinguished career in the sport.

The 2007 world champion raced for some of F1’s most prestigious teams and earned a reputation as one of the grid’s most skilled drivers.

Renowned for his famously nonchalant approach to racing, Raikkonen was a fan favourite and left the sport as one of the most experienced drivers in its history.

Net worth: $254,000,000 / €216,000,000 / £188,000,000 / AUD$379,720,000

3. Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso now stands as the most experienced driver in Formula 1 history and shows no signs of slowing down.

At 44, he continues to compete at the highest level, earning healthy paychecks to match his enduring performances.

A two-time world champion, Alonso is still regarded as one of the finest talents on the current grid.

The Aston Martin driver is contracted until the end of 2026, when the first season of the new power unit regulations will have concluded – potentially providing the perfect opportunity to bring his F1 career to a triumphant close.

Net worth: $264,000,000 / €224,000,000 / £196,000,000 / AUD$394,200,000

2. Lewis Hamilton

With more wins, podiums, and pole positions than any other driver, Lewis Hamilton is the most successful competitor in F1 history.

His seven world championships firmly place him among the sport’s all-time greats, while his on-track success has also propelled him up the ranks of highest-earning drivers.

In 2025, Hamilton embarked on a new chapter with Ferrari, following the conclusion of his long and illustrious tenure at Mercedes.

Hamilton's maiden campaign with the Scuderia was a disastrous one from a racing perspective, but a huge success on the marketing front. Despite his struggles, the Briton remains in a league of his own when it comes to social backing.

Net worth: $304,000,000 / €258,000,000 / £226,000,000 / AUD$454,900,000

1. Michael Schumacher

Topping the list by a considerable margin is Michael Schumacher, a driver admired by countless fans around the world.

Schumacher’s remarkable career saw him claim 91 victories and seven F1 world titles – an unprecedented achievement at the time.

With his extraordinary success and iconic partnership with Ferrari, there is little doubt that Schumacher remains the highest earner in the history of the sport.

When it comes to net worth, Schumacher would be considered a billionaire in Australia.

Net worth: US$790,000,000 / €671,000,000 / £586,000,000 / AUD$1,180,000,000