Lando Norris has become one of Formula 1’s brightest stars. His contract situation keeps fans talking. What does the future hold for the McLaren driver?
Right now, Norris sits in an interesting position. His current deal shapes what comes next, but questions remain. Will he stay loyal to McLaren, or could a top team come calling?
You will get clear answers about his current status and realistic predictions for where he might land after winning the championship.
The F1 driver market moves fast, and understanding Norris’s position matters for anyone following the sport.
What is Lando Norris’ Current McLaren Contract?
Lando Norris locked himself into McLaren through 2026, possibly 2027. He signed this extension in early 2024, and the timing made sense.
McLaren had been climbing back up the grid, and Norris wanted to be part of that rise.
The deal pays him a $25 million base salary for 2025. That’s serious money, and it doesn’t even include performance bonuses. Those extras kick in when he hits certain targets during the season.
This wasn’t just about cash, though. Norris had options elsewhere. Top teams were watching. But he stuck with McLaren, betting on their progress.
The contract gives him stability and shows real faith in where the team is headed. It’s a partnership built on mutual trust.
Lando Norris Salary Breakdown Year by Year
Norris’s earnings have grown massively since his rookie season. From a modest start, he’s now one of F1’s top earners, reflecting his championship-winning form.
- 2019: Norris started on just $260,000 as a rookie. Performance bonuses could push that to $2.5 million total. McLaren took a chance on raw talent at bargain rates.
- 2020: His base jumped to somewhere between $2.4 and $4.5 million. The range shows he proved himself quickly. McLaren rewarded early promise with better terms.
- 2021: Norris earned a $9 million base salary. Consistent point-scoring and podiums justified the increase. He’d become a dependable driver McLaren could build around long-term.
- 2022-2024: A four-year deal kicked in with a $20 million base. By 2024, bonuses pushed his total to roughly $35 million. His results backed up the investment.
- 2025: Post-extension, his base sits at $20-25 million. After winning the championship, total earnings could hit $30+ million. Success pays, and Norris is cashing in.
Lando Norris Contract Bonuses and Total Earnings
Norris’s 2025 paycheck reflects his championship glory. Base salary plus performance bonuses create a package worth tens of millions, rewarding his breakthrough year with McLaren.
Total Earnings
Norris is set to earn between $30 and $50 million in 2025. His $25 million base forms the foundation, but bonuses push that figure much higher.
Winning the championship in Abu Dhabi unlocked substantial performance incentives. The breakdown includes a $4 million signing bonus from his 2024 extension.
Performance bonuses range from $10 to $23 million, depending on race wins, podiums, and title success.
With seven-plus victories and beating Verstappen to the championship, Norris hit the upper-earning range. Compare that to 2024’s $35 million total, and the growth is clear.
Contract Bonuses
| Bonus Type | Estimated Amount | What Triggers It |
|---|---|---|
| Signing Bonus | $4 million | One-time payment when the extension is signed in 2024 |
| Race Win Bonus | $500k–$1M per win | Each Grand Prix victory |
| Podium/Points Bonus | $100k–$500k per podium | Top 3 finishes and points thresholds |
| Championship Standings Bonus | Up to $10M | High finishes in WDC or Constructors’ standings |
| Championship Win Bonus | $5–$10M+ | Winning the Drivers’ Championship |
Lando Norris vs. Other F1 Driver Salaries Comparison
Norris sits among F1’s top earners but trails the very highest. His championship win boosted his package, placing him firmly in the sport’s elite salary bracket.
1. Max Verstappen – Red Bull ($65M): Verstappen leads the pay scale as F1’s four-time champion. His dominance and consistency justify Red Bull’s massive investment. Nobody earns more on the grid right now.
2. Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari ($60M): Hamilton’s move to Ferrari came with a huge payday. Seven championships and legendary status command premium rates. His signing bonus alone was substantial for the switch.
3. Charles Leclerc – Ferrari ($34M): Leclerc consistently delivers podiums and race wins for Ferrari. His salary reflects his position as a team leader. Ferrari values his long-term potential highly in contract talks.
4. Lando Norris – McLaren ($20-35M): Norris’s 2025 champion status pushed earnings toward the upper range. Performance bonuses make the difference. He’s underpaid compared to Hamilton but well-compensated for his breakthrough season.
5. Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin ($20-27.5M): Alonso’s veteran experience and consistent performances earn him serious money. Aston Martin pays for his racecraft and development skills. Age hasn’t diminished his value to the team.
6. Oscar Piastri – McLaren ($6-20M): Piastri’s salary sits lower as McLaren’s rising star. His teammate status means less than Norris for now. Expect his earnings to climb as he proves himself over seasons.
How Lando Norris’ 2025 Title Win Impacts His Contract and Pay
Winning the 2025 championship changed everything for Norris. His contract already had strong terms, but the title triggered major bonuses and shifted his market value completely.
The immediate impact shows in his earnings. Championship bonuses kicked in after Abu Dhabi. Race win bonuses from seven-plus victories added millions more.
Beyond the money, the title strengthens his negotiating position. McLaren will want to keep their champion happy and locked down.
Future contract talks will start from a much higher baseline. Other teams will circle if McLaren doesn’t extend terms soon. Norris proved he can deliver under pressure, and that’s worth every penny.
To Conclude
Norris’s contract tells a bigger story than just numbers on paper. His decision to stay with McLaren paid off spectacularly, delivering the championship he chased.
Looking ahead, his market value has never been higher. McLaren knows they’ve got a proven champion under contract through the coming years, but extension talks will likely start soon.
Other teams will be watching closely. For fans wondering about Norris’s future, the answer seems clear for now.
He’s exactly where he wants to be, earning top-tier money and competing for more titles. Success breeds stability, and Norris has both locked in.
