How Much Do Formula 1 Drivers Earn?

The earnings of Formula 1 drivers always attract attention each season, with fans curious about how much stars like Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc take home.

RacingNews365 spoke to multiple sources within the F1 paddock to compile an overview of the estimated annual salaries for all drivers in 2026. The figures listed reflect base salaries only and do not include team or performance bonuses, or income from personal sponsorship deals.

Top earners in the sport
Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who joined Ferrari at the start of last year, is reported to earn $60 mln annually. Including bonuses and sponsorships, his total income rises to around $100 mln. Max Verstappen leads the grid with a base salary of $70 mln at Red Bull.

Other high earners include Charles Leclerc and George Russell on $34 mln each, and Lando Norris on $30 mln, reflecting their status at Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren respectively.

Rookies and lower pay scales

At the lower end, the only rookie this season, Arvid Lindblad, driving for Racing Bulls, is set to earn between $500,000 and $1 mln. Franco Colapinto, Liam Lawson and Oliver Bearman are also on similar entry-level salaries.

Full estimated 2026 F1 salaries

Max Verstappen, Red Bull: $70 mln
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari: $60 mln
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari: $34 mln
George Russell, Mercedes: $34 mln
Lando Norris, McLaren: $30m mln
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin: $20 mln
Carlos Sainz, Williams: $13 mln
Oscar Piastri, McLaren: $13 mln
Pierre Gasly, Alpine: $12 mln
Alex Albon, Williams: $12 mln
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin: $12 mln
Sergio Perez, Cadillac: $8 mln
Nico Hülkenberg, Audi: $7 mln
Esteban Ocon, Haas: $7 mln
Isack Hadjar, Red Bull: $5 mln
Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac: $5 mln
Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi: $2 mln
Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes: $2 mln
Oliver Bearman, Haas: $1 mln
Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls: $1 mln
Franco Colapinto, Alpine: $0.5–1 mln
Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls: $0.5–1 mln

Kursiv also reports that one of the most iconic cars in Formula One history, the Lotus 98T driven by Ayrton Senna during the 1986 season, is set to be sold at auction.

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