Carlos Sainz just signed one of the most talked-about contracts in Formula 1 history.
His 2025 earnings go way beyond just his racing salary. Sponsorship deals, endorsements, and smart investments have transformed his financial picture completely.
The numbers might surprise even the most dedicated F1 followers.
This blog breaks down exactly how much Sainz earns, where his money comes from, and what his total net worth looks like heading into 2025.
Ready to see the full breakdown of one of racing’s rising financial stars? Keep reading for all the details.
Who is Carlos Sainz?
Carlos Sainz was born in Madrid, Spain, on September 1, 1994.
He is the son of a world rally champion, Carlos Sainz Sr., but has established his own career and reputation in motorsport.
Sainz began karting at a young age and advanced steadily through junior racing categories. His efforts led to a Formula 1 debut in 2015 with Toro Rosso.
Over the years, he competed with Renault, McLaren, and Ferrari before joining Williams Racing for the 2025 season.
His record includes multiple race victories, several pole positions, and more than two dozen podium finishes.
Outside of racing, he also contributes to the sport as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association.
Carlos Sainz Salary Breakdown
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For the 2025 season, Sainz earns a base pay of about $10 million per year.
This places him in the middle range of Formula 1 drivers, showing both his experience and the value he brings to his team.
In addition to his fixed pay, his contract includes performance-related bonuses. These can raise his earnings by as much as $5 million, depending on results across the season.
With these incentives, his total potential income for the year reaches approximately $15 million.
This figure is slightly lower than what he earned at Ferrari in 2024, yet it still reflects his reputation as a consistent and reliable driver.
The combination of steady income and bonuses shows how teams balance proven talent with future performance.
Where Sainz Ranks on the 2025 Grid?
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On the 2025 grid, Sainz earns a base pay of approximately $10 million, placing him solidly in the mid-tier salary group.
Sainz’s fifth-place ranking shows he commands serious respect in the paddock. His move to Williams came with a substantial pay package that reflects his proven track record and championship potential.
| Rank | Driver | Team | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing | $55 million |
| 2 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | $45 million |
| 3 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | $32 million |
| 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren | $25 million |
| 5 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | $20 million |
| 6 | George Russell | Mercedes | $18 million |
| 7 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | $15 million |
| 8 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | $12 million |
| 9 | Sergio Pérez | Red Bull Racing | $10 million |
| 10 | Alexander Albon | Williams | $8 million |
What’s Really in Sainz’s Williams Deal: Contract Notes and Clauses
Sainz’s Williams contract goes beyond simple salary figures.
The deal includes smart clauses and flexible terms that protect his career options while giving both parties room to grow together.
A Smart Two-Year Deal with Room to Grow
Sainz is locked in a two-year commitment with Williams, covering 2025 and 2026.
Both sides included an extension option. This gives Williams security while letting Sainz test the waters.
If the partnership clicks and results improve, they can continue together. If not, both parties have a clean exit strategy built right in.
The Exit Strategy that Changes Everything
The most interesting part? Sainz negotiated a break clause that could reshape his entire career.
This allows him to leave early if a top-tier team comes calling. It’s essentially insurance against missing out on championship opportunities.
Williams agreed because they understand ambitious drivers need options, and keeping Sainz happy benefits everyone involved in the long run.
Why Sainz Chose Short-Term Security Over Long Commitments?
When multiple teams offered longer deals, Sainz deliberately chose shorter terms instead. He wanted flexibility as Formula 1 continues evolving rapidly.
This strategy reflects modern driver thinking – why lock yourself into a five-year deal when the sport changes so quickly?
Smart drivers like Sainz prefer keeping their options open rather than committing to lengthy contracts that might limit future opportunities.
Off-Track Income of Carlos Sainz
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When people talk about Carlos Sainz’s salary, it is easy to focus only on what he earns from racing.
Sainz has secured endorsement deals with leading global brands, ranging from sports and lifestyle to technology and fashion.
These partnerships bring in an estimated $4 to $7 million each year, adding significant value beyond his Formula 1 contract.
He has also explored business ventures, including ownership of a restaurant in Madrid, which shows his interest in building income outside of racing.
In addition, his role as Director of the Drivers’ Association strengthens his professional profile and positions him as a leader within the sport, even if it is not directly tied to pay.
Comparing Carlos Sainz Salary with Other Formula 1 Drivers of the Same Spec
Sainz’s $10-15 million salary puts him in an interesting position among his peers. He earns more than some race winners but less than rising stars and veteran champions.
Williams Teammate Comparison:
Alex Albon earns around $3 million base salary, making Sainz the clear number one at Williams. This massive pay gap reflects their different career trajectories and market value. Sainz commands premium wages that justify his team leadership role.
Midfield Driver Tier:
Pierre Gasly at Alpine takes home approximately $12 million total, slightly edging out Sainz’s maximum earnings.
Meanwhile, Esteban Ocon at Haas earns about $6 million despite his race-winning pedigree. These figures show how team budgets and timing affect driver compensation significantly.
Veteran Championship Contenders:
Fernando Alonso’s $27.5 million at Aston Martin towers above most drivers, including Sainz.
Sergio Pérez earns $13-15 million at Red Bull, putting him in similar territory. These salaries reflect championship-level experience and proven track records over multiple seasons.
Rising Star Premium:
Oscar Piastri commands around $25.9 million at McLaren, while George Russell earns about $23 million at Mercedes.
Both significantly out-earn Sainz despite having fewer career wins. This demonstrates how top teams pay premium rates for young talent they believe can deliver championships.
To Conclude
Carlos Sainz’s $10-15 million earnings at Williams tell a bigger story than just numbers on a contract.
His salary reflects exactly where he sits in F1’s hierarchy – respected, proven, but still climbing toward the very top tier.
The smart contract structure shows a driver who knows his worth and isn’t afraid to bet on himself. That break clause?
It’s pure strategy. Sainz understands that in Formula 1, timing matters as much as talent. And in a sport where careers can shift overnight, that flexibility could prove more important than a bigger paycheck.
