Verstappen’s Title Win Leads to Major Savings on 2025 FIA Super Licence Fee
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Reigning four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen is set to enjoy a substantial financial benefit heading into the 2025 season. After a year marked by tougher competition and fewer wins than in his record-breaking 2024 campaign, the Dutch driver will pay significantly less for his FIA Super Licence next season.
Under the FIA’s annual licensing structure, each driver pays a flat fee plus a charge per championship point earned during the year. With Verstappen scoring fewer points in 2024—securing the title later and winning fewer races—his total will drop by an estimated $206,000 compared to his previous, record-setting cost.
Key Points:
- Reduced Costs for Verstappen: By virtue of earning fewer points, Verstappen’s 2025 Super Licence fee will be roughly $1,079,000, down from the approximately $1,286,000 he paid for 2024.
- Contrast in Costs: While Verstappen’s fee shrinks, runner-up Lando Norris faces a larger bill. With four wins and more points this season, Norris’ fee will likely double from around $465,000 to over $925,000.
- Ever-Rising Rates: The FIA raised both the standard Super Licence fee and the per-point charge for 2025, which affects all drivers. Even so, Verstappen’s relative savings come from scoring fewer points than his record 2023 performance, when he won a remarkable 19 grands prix.
- Past Complaints: Verstappen has previously criticized the Super Licence fee structure, calling the costs “absurd.” Given the continued rise in fees and the longer race calendar, this topic remains an ongoing point of contention for drivers.
As the new season approaches, Verstappen’s financial relief contrasts the growing financial burden other top drivers will face. While the Dutch star shifts focus to defending his fifth straight title, the balance between on-track success and off-track licensing costs continues to be a talking point in the world’s premier motorsport series.
