Formula 1’s salary spectrum for 2026 is nothing short of staggering. From Max Verstappen’s $70 million fortress at Red Bull to rookies earning less than what some mid-level executives make, the grid’s pay gap tells a fascinating story about value, experience, and raw potential in motorsport’s premier league.
Table of Contents
Complete 2026 F1 Driver Salaries
| Driver | Team | Salary (Annual) | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing | $70M | Elite |
| Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | $60M | Elite |
| Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | $34M | Top Tier |
| George Russell | Mercedes | $34M | Top Tier |
| Lando Norris | McLaren | $30M | Top Tier |
| Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | $20M | Established |
| Carlos Sainz | Williams | $13M | Midfield |
| Oscar Piastri | McLaren | $13M | Midfield |
| Pierre Gasly | Alpine | $12M | Midfield |
| Alex Albon | Williams | $12M | Midfield |
| Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | $12M | Midfield |
| Sergio Pérez | Red Bull | $8M | Lower Tier |
| Nico Hülkenberg | Sauber | $7M | Lower Tier |
| Esteban Ocon | Haas | $7M | Lower Tier |
| Valtteri Bottas | Sauber | $5M | Lower Tier |
| Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls | $5M | Lower Tier |
| Gabriel Bortoleto | Sauber | $2M | Rookie |
| Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | $2M | Rookie |
| Oliver Bearman | Haas | $1M | Rookie |
| Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | $1M | Rookie |
| Franco Colapinto | Alpine | $0.5–1M | Rookie |
| Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls | $0.5–1M | Rookie |
Note: All figures are base salaries excluding performance bonuses, sponsorships, and image rights.
The Elite: $60M+ Club
Max Verstappen — $70M (Red Bull Racing)
The four-time World Champion commands F1’s highest base salary, and rightfully so. According to Forbes estimates his total 2025 earnings at $76 million when bonuses are included. Verstappen’s marketability extends beyond racing, with sponsors like EA Sports, Heineken, and Viaplay adding substantial income. Despite Red Bull’s tumultuous 2025 season, his consistency earned every penny of his Monaco-tax-free fortune. His contract runs through 2028, cementing his position as F1’s most valuable asset and a global sporting icon.
Lewis Hamilton — $60M (Ferrari)
The seven-time champion’s blockbuster move to Ferrari in 2025 came with a massive payday. Including bonuses and sponsorships, Hamilton’s total income approaches $100 million annually. His disappointing first season at Maranello—ending without a podium finish—makes 2026 crucial for justifying his salary. At 41, Hamilton seeks his record-breaking eighth title while mentoring rising star Charles Leclerc. His influence transcends racing, with fashion collaborations and activism making him F1’s most recognizable global ambassador. Compare his career trajectory to other legendary F1 champions.
Top Tier: $30M-$34M Range
Charles Leclerc — $34M (Ferrari)
Ferrari’s golden child shares equal billing with George Russell at $34 million. Leclerc’s net worth stands at £92 million, the only driver besides the elite three in nine-figure territory. His dominant 2025 qualifying battles against Hamilton (winning the head-to-head 17-7) showcased his raw speed. The Monégasque driver recently stated 2026 is “crucial” for his championship aspirations, adding pressure to Ferrari’s new regulatory era preparations.
George Russell — $34M (Mercedes)
Mercedes’ team leader since Hamilton’s departure earns identical money to Leclerc, reflecting his status as a future championship contender. Russell’s aggressive racecraft and consistent podium finishes justify Mercedes’ faith in the British driver. Partnering rookie Kimi Antonelli adds mentoring responsibilities to his plate, making his role pivotal to the Silver Arrows’ 2026 resurgence plans.
Lando Norris — $30M (McLaren)
The reigning 2025 World Champion! Forbes reported Norris earned $57.5 million total in 2025 ($18M base + $39.5M bonuses), though his 2026 base salary sits at $30 million. His maiden title after years of “nearly there” moments makes him McLaren’s cornerstone. Expect substantial raises as he enters his prime years with car number one proudly displayed.
Established: $20M Range
Fernando Alonso — $20M (Aston Martin)
The 43-year-old Spanish legend proves age is just a number. Alonso’s net worth peaks at $400 million (£297.5m), the highest among active drivers. His strategic racecraft and tireless work ethic justify Aston Martin’s investment despite the team’s midfield struggles. His mentorship of Lance Stroll adds value beyond raw pace. For context on veteran driver longevity, check our F1 legends retrospective.
Midfield: $12M-$13M Bracket
Carlos Sainz — $13M (Williams)
The Smooth Operator’s move from Ferrari to Williams for 2026 includes a hefty $13 million payday—unusual for a midfield team. His race-winning pedigree and technical feedback will be crucial as Williams integrates Mercedes power units. Sainz’s consistent podium-scoring ability makes him Williams’ most expensive gamble.
Oscar Piastri — $13M (McLaren)
The Australian sensation’s contract extension through 2028 rewards his breakthrough performances. Piastri led the 2025 championship from April to October before a six-race podium drought cost him the title. At just 23, his ceiling remains sky-high, and McLaren secured him before rivals came calling.
Pierre Gasly — $12M (Alpine)
Alpine’s team leader commands top-tier midfield money after consistently maximizing limited machinery. His race-winning experience and French nationality align perfectly with Alpine’s identity, though the team’s technical struggles test his patience.
Alex Albon — $12M (Williams)
Williams’ driving force earns equal money to teammate Sainz, recognizing his team-building contributions since 2022. Albon’s qualifying brilliance and racecraft development justify his salary despite limited results in an underperforming car.
Lance Stroll — $12M (Aston Martin)
The team owner’s son maintains a solid midfield salary. While critics point to family connections, Stroll’s podium-scoring ability and consistent points-scoring justify his position, even if his crashes frustrate team strategists.
Lower Tier: $5M-$8M Range
Sergio Pérez — $8M (Red Bull)
Red Bull’s decision to retain Pérez for 2026 despite a disastrous 2025 comes with a significant pay cut from previous seasons. His support role to Verstappen and Mexican market appeal keep him employed, though pressure mounts after finishing eighth in the championship.
Nico Hülkenberg — $7M (Sauber)
The experienced German joins Sauber’s Audi transition project. His technical knowledge and development skills command respect, though his career-long podium drought (199 races without a top-three finish) continues haunting him.
Esteban Ocon — $7M (Haas)
Ocon’s move from Alpine to Haas for 2026 maintains his seven-figure salary. His race-winning credentials (Hungary 2021) and aggressive wheel-to-wheel racing make him Haas’ most accomplished signing in years. Learn more about midfield F1 team dynamics.
Valtteri Bottas — $5M (Sauber)
The Finn’s salary reflects Sauber’s budget constraints rather than his capabilities. Bottas’ 10 F1 wins and Mercedes experience provide valuable benchmark data as the team prepares for Audi’s 2027 works entry.
Isack Hadjar — $5M (Racing Bulls)
Red Bull’s French protégé commands surprisingly high rookie money, reflecting his F2 championship credentials and potential as Verstappen’s long-term successor. His aggressive driving style mirrors early-career Verstappen.
Rookies: $500K-$2M Entry Level
Gabriel Bortoleto — $2M (Sauber)
The Brazilian F2 champion arrives with significant backing and massive potential. His $2 million salary represents Sauber’s faith in homegrown talent development as they build toward the Audi era.
Kimi Antonelli — $2M (Mercedes)
Mercedes’ wonderkid broke into F1’s top 10 earners in 2025 after collecting significant rookie bonuses. His $2 million base salary understates his value—Mercedes views him as Hamilton’s long-term successor. His 2025 rookie performances exceeded expectations, justifying Mercedes’ bold promotion.
Oliver Bearman — $1M (Haas)
The British teenager proved his mettle with stunning stand-in performances in 2025. His $1 million salary reflects his status as F1’s hottest prospect outside the Red Bull and Mercedes academies.
Liam Lawson — $1M (Racing Bulls)
The Kiwi racer finally secured a full-time seat after impressive substitute appearances. His aggressive racing and qualifying speed justify Red Bull’s faith, though he must outperform Hadjar to secure long-term F1 survival.
Franco Colapinto — $0.5–1M (Alpine)
Argentina’s new F1 hope commands the grid’s lowest guaranteed salary. His impressive late-2025 Williams substitution earned him Alpine’s 2026 seat, though financial backing from sponsors supplements his base pay.
Arvid Lindblad — $0.5–1M (Racing Bulls)
The 2026 grid’s only pure rookie will earn between $500,000 and $1 million—modest by F1 standards but life-changing for the teenager. Red Bull’s notorious driver development program gives him limited time to prove his worth.
The Salary Structure Reality
Crucially, F1 driver salaries are exempt from the budget cap, along with the three highest-earning off-track staff members. This exemption allows teams like Ferrari and Red Bull to outbid rivals without sacrificing car development budgets.
According to the FIA’s official regulations, teams face $145 million cost caps for 2026, but driver salaries exist in a separate financial universe. This creates fascinating strategic decisions—should teams invest in proven superstars or develop cheaper talent?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Max Verstappen paid more than Lewis Hamilton despite Hamilton having more championships?
Verstappen’s $70M salary reflects his current market value, age advantage (26 vs 41), and performance bonuses from his 2024-2025 championship dominance, while Hamilton’s $60M Ferrari deal accounts for his brand value and experience despite his winless 2025 season.
Do F1 driver salaries count against the team budget cap?
No, driver salaries are completely exempt from F1’s $145 million budget cap, allowing teams to pay drivers unlimited amounts without affecting car development spending or operational budgets.
