Ever wondered what an F1 driver takes home in 2026 ? We’ve crunched the numbers, and the figures are nothing short of eye-watering.
As the 2026 campaign gets underway, driver remuneration has hit a new stratosphere. It’s not just lap records being smashed this year, but contracts are reaching unprecedented heights.
Who tops the 2026 earnings list ?
Max Verstappen remains the undisputed financial benchmark of the paddock. For the 2026 season, the Dutchman commands a base salary estimated at $70 million as part of a long-term deal running through 2028.
Once win bonuses and performance-related incentives are factored in, his total take-home pay can soar north of $80 million depending on track results. Now a four-time World Champion, Verstappen is the gold standard for contract negotiations. His global profile and years of dominance explain why he has locked down the top spot for the fourth consecutive year.
The Ferrari premium: Hamilton and Leclerc
Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile switch to Maranello, one of the most significant driver moves in recent history came with a price tag to match. The Briton is reportedly earning $60 million a year at Ferrari.
And despite a statistically underwhelming 2025 debut, the Scuderia’s long-term faith in his legend remains unwavering. When his personal endorsements with brands like Tommy Hilfiger and IWC are added to the pot, his gross earnings edge close to the $100 million mark.
On the other side of the garage, Charles Leclerc’s long-term commitment is rewarded with a $34 million salary. This places the Monegasque third in the rankings a spot he shares with Mercedes’ George Russell—underlining his status as a cornerstone of the Italian outfit.
The 2026 wildcard: Lando Norris’s record bonus haul
The real shake-up in this year’s rankings comes courtesy of Lando Norris. Off the back of McLaren’s stellar form, the reigning World Champion has effectively « broken the bank » through performance clauses. While his base salary is estimated at a more modest $30 million well shy of Verstappen’s his 2025 title success triggered a windfall of bonuses.
Norris’s total package for the past year hit an incredible €52.9 million, of which €36.3 million was performance-driven. It’s a perfect illustration of F1’s contract mechanics: the base salary is often just the starting point, and the right results can turn a standard deal into a jackpot.
How the rest of the 2026 Grid compares
Further down the order, Fernando Alonso remains a high-value asset for Aston Martin at $20 million, followed by Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri, who both command around $13 million. Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Lance Stroll all sit within the $12 million bracket. Regarding the French contingent, Gasly leads the way with his €12 million Alpine deal, while Esteban Ocon’s move to Haas sees him earning €7 million.
A Two-tier economy
Away from the superstars, the financial landscape shifts dramatically. Established names like Sergio Pérez and Nico Hülkenberg earn between $7 million and $8 million, while the grid’s younger talent starts on much leaner terms. Gabriel Bortoleto and Kimi Antonelli are estimated to be on $2 million deals, with Oliver Bearman and Liam Lawson closer to the $1 million mark.
If we refer to Spotrac’s report, Red Bull’s latest graduate, Isack Hadjar, starts his life at the world’s leading team on a $5 million retainer. At the very bottom of the scale, newcomers like Arvid Lindblad or Franco Colapinto are operating on contracts between $500,000 and $1 million. It paints a clear picture of a two-tier paddock, where the biggest names continue to take the lion’s share of the prize.
