Formula 1 is now one of the richest sports on the planet, and its top drivers earn more than most NFL, NBA and Premier League stars. Driver salaries sit outside the sport’s cost cap, so teams can pay their stars almost whatever it takes.
Here are the highest-paid F1 drivers in 2026, ranked by reported base salary. All figures are in US dollars and are estimates from paddock sources, because teams never publish driver contracts.
Quick Answer: Who Is the Highest-Paid F1 Driver in 2026?
Max Verstappen is the highest-paid driver in Formula 1, with a reported base salary of around $70 million at Red Bull. In August 2026 he signed an extension through 2030, and one report claims his new base pay could reach about $107 million per season. That figure is unconfirmed.
Top 10 Highest-Paid F1 Drivers 2026 (Table)
| Rank | Driver | Team | Reported Base Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing | ~$70M |
| 2 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | ~$60M |
| 3 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | ~$34M |
| 4 | George Russell | Mercedes | ~$34M |
| 5 | Lando Norris | McLaren | ~$30M |
| 6 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | ~$20M |
| 7 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | ~$13M |
| 8 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | ~$13M |
| 9 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | ~$12M |
| 10 | Alex Albon | Williams | ~$12M |
Base salary only. Excludes team bonuses, prize-linked bonuses and personal sponsorships. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) is also reported at around $12M.
1. Max Verstappen: About $70 Million
The four-time world champion leads the pack. His Red Bull deal was worth a reported $70 million a year, and his new extension through 2030 is widely reported to push that even higher, making him F1’s first potential $100 million driver. Bonuses and sponsorship deals add more on top.
2. Lewis Hamilton: About $60 Million
The seven-time world champion holds the all-time records for wins and podiums. His base salary at Ferrari is reported at $60 million, but with bonuses and endorsements his total yearly income is reported at around $100 million, which is why he is regularly named among the world’s top-earning athletes.
3. Charles Leclerc: About $34 Million
Ferrari’s Monaco-born star is the face of the team’s future, and his contract runs long-term. That security is reflected in a salary that puts him third on the grid.
4. George Russell: About $34 Million
Russell leads Mercedes and matches Leclerc’s reported base pay. As the team’s senior driver, he has become one of the sport’s most valuable stars.
5. Lando Norris: About $30 Million
The McLaren driver’s earnings have climbed sharply since McLaren’s recent title success. Bonuses linked to team results and a growing brand portfolio (including his own media and gaming business) add significantly to his income.
6. Fernando Alonso: About $20 Million
At an age when most drivers have retired, the two-time world champion still commands a premium at Aston Martin, thanks to his experience, fan following and marketing value.
7. Carlos Sainz: About $13 Million
Sainz is a proven race winner and one of the most sought-after drivers in the paddock. He sits in a tight group of drivers earning between $12 and $13 million.
8. Oscar Piastri: About $13 Million
Piastri is one of the sport’s rising stars, and McLaren’s team success means his real earnings can be well above his base pay once bonuses are included.
9. Pierre Gasly: About $12 Million
The Alpine driver is a steady, well-paid veteran of the midfield, with a contract reported to run through 2028.
10. Alex Albon: About $12 Million
Albon rounds out the top 10 and is a key part of Williams’ rebuild. He shares the same reported pay bracket as Gasly and Stroll.
Why F1 Drivers Earn So Much
- No cap on driver pay. Teams spend under the cost cap on the car, but driver salaries are exempt.
- Bonuses matter. Pay can rise with championship position, race results and constructors’ titles.
- Sponsorships add millions. Watch, fashion, tech and car brands pay top drivers directly.
- US growth. Netflix’s Drive to Survive and new US races boosted the sport’s value, and a new American team, Cadillac, joined the grid in 2026.
How Do F1 Drivers Compare With Other Sports Stars?
F1’s top earners now rival the highest-paid athletes in football, basketball and golf. For a football comparison, see our list of the Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers.
FAQ
Who is the highest-paid F1 driver in 2026? Max Verstappen, with a reported base salary of about $70 million, and a reported bigger deal following his 2030 extension.
How much does Lewis Hamilton earn at Ferrari? His base salary is reported at about $60 million, with total income (including bonuses and endorsements) reported near $100 million.
How much do the lowest-paid F1 drivers earn? Rookies on the grid are reported at around $500,000 to $1 million per season.
Are F1 driver salaries included in the cost cap? No. Driver pay is exempt from the cost cap.
Are these salaries official? No. Teams keep contracts private, so all numbers are estimates from paddock sources and can vary by publication.
Final Thoughts
Verstappen and Hamilton are far ahead of the rest of the grid, and with contracts, bonuses and sponsors constantly shifting, this list can change quickly. Bookmark this page, as we update it whenever major contract news breaks.
Disclaimer: Salary figures are reported estimates, not official numbers, and exclude bonuses and endorsements unless stated.
