Formula One drivers get paid a lot of money to go fast.
The racing series has boomed in popularity in recent years, especially in the U.S. following the Netflix docuseries “Drive to Survive.” As a result, the grid has expanded to add a new American team in Cadillac. That’s all led to some extra cash in the pockets of all 22 drivers and the 11 constructors.
Entering 2026, 20 of the 22 drivers reportedly command a salary of $1 million or higher. Which drivers make the most money, though? And how do the younger and lower-tier drivers stack up with the veterans and world champions?
Here’s a breakdown of the reported F1 driver salaries for the 2026 season (all figures reported by RacingNews365, citing sources, not accounting for bonuses, sponsorships and endorsements):
Who is the highest paid F1 driver in 2026?
Two of the sport’s all-time greats will earn the most money in 2026.
Max Verstappen leads the way for Red Bull Racing at a reported $70 million annual salary in 2026. Despite seeing his streak of four straight world drivers’ championship end last season, that figure is well-earned by the 28-year-old Verstappen. The Dutch star has won 61 of 114 races over the last five years, including a series-best eight in 2025.
Lewis Hamilton, now in his second season with Ferrari, is just behind Verstappen at $60 million for 2026. The seven-time world champion had no wins or podiums in his first season for Ferrari, but the 41-year-old still holds the F1 career record for wins (105) and podiums (202).
Behind Verstappen and Hamilton, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc ($34 million), Mercedes’ George Russell ($34 million) and McLaren’s Lando Norris ($30 million) are the only other drivers who will make $30 million or more in 2026.
Leclerc, a 28-year-old Monaco native, enters the 2026 season for Ferrari with eight career wins, 50 podiums and 27 poles. Russell, 28, is the face of Mercedes after Hamilton’s departure and he won two races last season to bring his career total to five. The 26-year-old Norris could be considered a bargain after winning the world drivers’ title last season along with a career-best seven wins for McLaren.
Who is the lowest paid F1 driver in 2026?
Four drivers reportedly earn $1 million or less in 2026 — and they’re all in their first or second full-time season.
Alpine’s Franco Colapinto and Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad are tied for the lowest 2026 salary, with the estimation between $500,000 and $1 million.
Colapinto has 27 career starts, including 18 for Alpine last season, with a career-best result of eighth. The 22-year-old Argentine enters 2026 as a full-time driver after being promoted in the middle of last season.
Lindblad, 18, is the youngest driver on the grid this season after winning three races in Formula 2 last season. The British driver tested the Red Bull car for three grand prix last year after being granted an early FIA Super License at just 17 years old.
Haas’ Oliver Bearman and Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson will make a reported $1 million each.
Bearman, 20, was among the most impressive rookies last season with nine points finishes in 24 starts, including a fourth-place result at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Lawson, 24, was demoted from Red Bull back to Racing Bulls after just two starts last season. He recovered well to score points in seven of the final 17 races, which allowed him to keep this seat for 2026.
List of F1 driver salaries for 2026
Here are all the salaries for the 22 full-time drivers during the 2026 season (in USD):
| Rank | Name | Team | Reported salary |
| 1. | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | $70 million |
| 2. | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | $60 million |
| T-3. | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | $34 million |
| T-3. | George Russell | Mercedes | $34 million |
| 5. | Lando Norris | McLaren | $30 million |
| 6. | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | $20 million |
| T-7. | Carlos Sainz | Williams | $13 million |
| T-7. | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | $13 million |
| T-9. | Alex Albon | Williams | $12 million |
| T-9. | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | $12 million |
| T-9. | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | $12 million |
| 12. | Sergio Pérez | Cadillac | $8 million |
| T-13. | Esteban Ocon | Haas | $7 million |
| T-13. | Nico Hülkenberg | Audi | $7 million |
| T-15. | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull | $5 million |
| T-15. | Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac | $5 million |
| T-17. | Gabriel Bortoletto | Audi | $2 million |
| T-17. | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | $2 million |
| T-19. | Oliver Bearman | Haas | $1 million |
| T-19. | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | $1 million |
| T-21. | Franco Colapinto | Alpine | $500,000 to $1 million |
| T-21. | Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls | $500,000 to $1 million |
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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