F1 Driver Salaries 2026: Highest and Lowest Salaries Full Breakdown
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?
Who is the highest paid F1 driver in 2026?
Max Verstappen leads the way for Red Bull Racing at a reported $70 million annual salary in 2026.
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.
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.
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.
Haas' Oliver Bearman and Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson will make a reported $1 million each.
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
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