Based on Formula One’s current payment system, Ferrari came out on top last season, despite finishing 4th in the constructors’ standings.
Considering the fact that F1 Management collates revenues from three different streams (hosting fees, media rights and “other” such as sponsorship and hospitality) it’s easy to understand why a team that finished 4th can get paid more than the 2014 Champions themselves.
As revealed by Autosport, Mercedes-AMG Petronas actually came out 3rd in total earnings for the year at $126 million, while Red Bull Racing took home $156 million. Ferrari’s grand total was an impressive $164 million.
This is how it works: Despite Ferrari earning $67 million for finishing where they did and Mercedes getting $25 million more, the Scuderia received a further $97 million in the form of a premium payment.
Mercedes’ premium payment was tied with McLaren‘s at $34 million, whereas Red Bull got $74 million, which is why they were actually very close to Ferrari in the total earnings column.
Speaking of total earnings, McLaren got $98 million at the end of the year while Williams had to settle for $83 million, which isn’t a lot for a team that finished the season 3rd in the standings. Their premium payment was only $10 million.
As for Force India, Toro Rosso, Lotus, Marussia and Sauber, they made out with $60 million, $54 million, $51 million, $48 million and $44 million respectively – numbers based entirely on their championship classification.