Race prize money disclosed: third position earned by team personnel in Formula One
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In the world of Formula 1, Adrian Newey, a 66-year-old British engineering legend, is making waves as the third-highest earner, surpassing many drivers in the sport. Despite not being a driver, Newey's role as the Chief Technical Officer and lead car designer for Red Bull Racing has earned him a hefty salary.
Newey's annual earnings of 35 million euros place him among the sport's elite earners, a testament to the immense value of his technical expertise and impact on team success. Unlike drivers who earn primarily through salaries, bonuses, and endorsements, Newey's income is largely derived from his critical role in designing the highly successful Red Bull cars that dominate the sport.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton top the earnings list, with Charles Leclerc typically third among drivers, earning around $53.5 million in total in 2025. However, Newey's earnings exceed those of most drivers, reflecting the immense value of his technical acumen and contributions to Red Bull Racing's success.
So, why is Adrian Newey not a driver?
His role is a technical one—designing race cars rather than driving them. Engineering excellence is as crucial as driving skill in F1's competitive ecosystem. F1 teams invest heavily in top engineering talent because a car’s performance is key to winning. Newey’s career and skills are specialized in aerodynamics and vehicle design, fields far removed from race-driving. As a designer, he receives salaries and possibly bonuses aligned with his integral role in building championship-winning cars, making him one of the highest earners in the sport.
The recent addition of the 66-year-old Newey to the British traditional racing team, following the last season, has added an extra layer of anticipation for the upcoming races. With the FIA's strict budget regulations in place, teams can only spend a maximum of 144 million euros, but drivers are exempt from the salary cap. This means that teams like the British traditional racing team will likely have to cut costs elsewhere to afford Newey's hefty salary.
In the recent Bahrain Grand Prix, the British traditional racing team's driver, Piastri, secured the pole position in a shocking qualifying crash and triumphed in Verstappen's disastrous performance, highlighting the team's potential with Newey's expertise on board.
In summary, Adrian Newey is the third-highest earner because of his pivotal role as a chief technical designer, not as a driver, highlighting how crucial engineering talent is in Formula 1’s financial and competitive structure.
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