2026 F1 salaries: how much do the 20 drivers really earn?

Every season we always have the same doubt, how much does a Formula 1 driver earn? In this article, we’ll reveal the salary of every driver from world champions to rookies. Year after year this sport is gaining fans and popularity, especially with the series Drive to Survive on Netflix, the pilots' salaries have been increasing along with their fame. The numbers shown in this article correspond to the fixed salaries of the drivers, not including bonuses for results or sponsorship contracts.

At the top of the pyramid we find Max Verstappen receiving $70 million from Red Bull Racing. Right after we have the seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton with $60 million, but adding his bonuses and sponsorship contracts, he would have a salary of over $100 million.

His teammate, Charles Leclerc, receives $34 million, and George Russell from Mercedes has the same salary. Meanwhile, the current world champion, Lando Norris, is close behind with $30 million.

On the other hand, the last ones on the grid, Oliver Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto, Liam Lawson and Kimi Antonelli receiving less than $3 million. And the only rookie of the season Arvid Lindblad has a salary of $800 thousand. A very low salary compared to the stars but normal for a rookie driver.

The 2026 salaries give a good summary of who the renowned drivers are, who is fighting for the championship title, and the rookies who are still at the beginning of their careers and in the learning phase.

2026 F1 Driver Salaries: Full List