Ever wondered how much your favorite F1 drivers really earn? It’s one of the most tantalizing topics in motorsport, and for good reason—the numbers are staggering. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some drivers rake in tens of millions annually, others are barely making a fraction of that. And this is the part most people miss: the vast disparities in pay, even among top-tier talent, can spark heated debates about fairness and value in the sport.
Let’s dive into the complete 2026 F1 driver salary overview, where we break down the estimated earnings of every driver on the grid. These figures represent their base annual salaries, excluding performance bonuses, team incentives, and personal sponsorships—though, as you’ll see, those extras can double or even triple their income.
Take Lewis Hamilton, for instance. After his high-profile move to Ferrari last year, the seven-time world champion reportedly commands a base salary of $60 million. But when you factor in bonuses and sponsorships, his total earnings soar to a jaw-dropping $100 million. That’s a figure that’s hard to wrap your head around, right? Yet, it’s a testament to his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
On the flip side, consider Arvid Lindblad, the only rookie on the grid this year. Despite being part of the prestigious Red Bull Junior program, the British-Swedish driver is estimated to earn between $500,000 and $1 million this season. It’s a stark contrast, but it highlights the steep climb rookies face in a sport dominated by established stars.
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of every driver’s salary, team, and contract duration. But before you scroll down, here’s a thought-provoking question: Do these salaries reflect the true value of a driver’s talent, or is there an inherent bias toward experience and reputation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
2026 F1 Driver Salaries
| 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
Also Worth Watching:
Catch up with RacingNews365’s Ian Parkes and Nick Golding as they dissect last week’s five-day F1 test in Barcelona. From McLaren’s bold upgrade strategy to Aston Martin’s head-turning AMR26, it’s a discussion you won’t want to miss. Prefer to watch? Check out the podcast here.
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