Oscar Piastri missed out on the F1 title. A $56 million payday might soften the blow

2 months ago 19

Oscar Piastri was dejected after narrowly missing out on his first Formula 1 drivers championship, but his disappointment would have been softened a little by a stunning bonus that will make the Australian one of the sport’s highest earners.

According to the Forbes rich list, Piastri will earn $56 million in 2025 thanks to a $41 million bonus that will be added to his $15 million salary. The total figure will make him the fourth-highest paid driver in F1 behind McLaren teammate Lando Norris, Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen.

Despite having his best year in Formula 1, Piastri ultimately finished 13 points behind England’s Norris, who sealed his first title in Abu Dhabi on Monday (AEDT).

The Melbourne-born Piastri led the title race for 15 rounds, enjoying a 34-point margin over his rivals at one stage. But his seven race wins and 15 podiums were not enough.

In March, Piastri signed a multi-year deal to stay with McLaren, establishing himself as one of Australia’s highest earning athletes.

Fellow Aussie Josh Giddey recently signed a $150 million, four-year deal with the Chicago Bulls, alongside endorsements with a host of companies, including Puma.

It wasn’t all bad news for Oscar Piastri in 2025.

Australia’s Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata reportedly earns $33 million a season, while NBA stars Josh Green and Matisse Thybulle are earning $21.1 million and $17.9 million, respectively. LIV golf star Cameron Smith was paid a nine-figure amount to sign with the breakaway competition, with the number of years of his contract unknown.

As well as his success on the track and financially, Piastri, 24, is also third in the marketability stakes, behind Australia cricket captain Pat Cummins and former Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, according to data from sports and entertainment consultancy firm Gemba.

Piastri will start the 2026 F1 season at home in Melbourne on March 8 as one of the favourites to win the drivers title, alongside Norris and Verstappen.

Speaking to Radio X in England, McLaren chief executive Zak Brown credited Piastri with playing a significant role in Norris’ maiden Formula 1 title.

“Oscar did an unbelievable job over the [season],” he said. “I think the two of them helped raise each other’s game and raise the team’s game, so that’s a great thing.

“Of course, these guys want to be world champions, and he was so close, so he’s disappointed in that.

“I don’t think he’s disappointed in the season. He should be very proud of it. He won seven races. Either of them could have won the championship.

“It’s a long season, and you get some good luck, you get some bad luck. He should be immensely proud.”