Ever wondered how much your favorite F1 drivers really take home? The numbers might just surprise you!
The world of Formula 1 is not just about speed, precision, and adrenaline—it’s also about the staggering salaries that come with being at the top of the racing world. Every season, fans and enthusiasts alike find themselves curious about the earnings of drivers like Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and Charles Leclerc. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some drivers rake in tens of millions, others are earning a fraction of that, even as they battle it out on the same track. So, what’s the real story behind these figures?
To shed light on this, we’ve compiled a comprehensive overview of the estimated salaries of all F1 drivers for 2026, based on insights from insiders within the F1 paddock. And this is the part most people miss: these figures represent only the drivers’ annual base salaries, excluding performance bonuses, team incentives, and personal sponsorship deals—which can often double or even triple their total earnings.
Take Lewis Hamilton, for instance. The seven-time world champion, who made headlines with his move to Ferrari last year, reportedly earns a base salary of $60 million annually. But when you factor in bonuses and sponsorships, his total earnings soar to a jaw-dropping $100 million. On the flip side, rookie Arvid Lindblad, the newest addition to Racing Bulls, is looking at a modest $500,000 to $1 million for his debut season—a stark contrast that highlights the vast pay gap in the sport.
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of every driver’s salary, team, and contract duration. But here’s the real question: Is the pay gap justified, or does it raise concerns about fairness in the sport? Let’s dive in and explore the numbers:
| Driver | Team | Salary +/- in $ million | Contract duration |
|-------------------|---------------|-------------------------|------------------|
| Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 70 | 2028 |
| Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 60 | 2026* |
| Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 34 | 2028 |
| George Russell | Mercedes | 34 | 2026* |
| Lando Norris | McLaren | 30 | 2027* |
| Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 20 | 2026* |
| Carlos Sainz | Williams | 13 | 2027 |
| Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 13 | 2028* |
| Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 12 | 2028 |
| Alex Albon | Williams | 12 | 2027 |
| Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 12 | Open |
| Sergio Pérez | Cadillac | 8 | 2027 |
| Nico Hülkenberg | Audi | 7 | 2027 |
| Esteban Ocon | Haas | 7 | 2027 |
| Isack Hadjar | Red Bull | 5 | 2027* |
| Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac | 5 | 2027 |
| Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi | 2 | 2027 |
| Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 2 | 2027* |
| Oliver Bearman | Haas | 1 | 2027 |
| Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | 1 | 2026 |
| Franco Colapinto | Alpine | 0.5-1 | 2026 |
| Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls | 0.5-1 | 2026 |
- = Option for longer stay after 2026, 2027, or 2028
But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: While the top earners like Verstappen and Hamilton are securing their financial futures, the lower end of the spectrum raises questions about the sustainability of careers for younger or less established drivers. Is the F1 ecosystem doing enough to support its rising stars, or are they being left behind in the race for financial stability?
If you’re as fascinated by the business side of F1 as we are, don’t miss out on RacingNews365’s latest podcast episode. Join Ian Parkes and Nick Golding as they dissect last week’s five-day F1 test in Barcelona, discussing McLaren’s upgrade strategy and Aston Martin’s eye-catching AMR26. Prefer to watch? Click here to tune in!
Now, we want to hear from you: Do you think F1 salaries are fair, or is there a need for reform? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s spark a conversation!
Lastly, never miss a moment of the 2026 F1 season. Add the official F1 calendar to your device with just one click: Download the F1 calendar.
