Formula 1 driver salaries for the 2026 season underline the sport’s growing financial power, with several leading drivers earning well above $30 million per year. Based on estimates from RacingNews365, Red Bull star Max Verstappen tops the list with an annual salary of around $70 million under a contract running until 2028.

Ferrari features prominently near the top of the rankings. Lewis Hamilton, who joined the Italian team in one of the biggest recent driver moves, is reported to earn about $60 million per season, while team-mate Charles Leclerc receives roughly $34 million on a long-term deal through 2028. Together they form one of the highest-paid driver pairings in Formula 1 history.

Mercedes driver George Russell is also listed on $34 million annually, while McLaren’s Lando Norris follows with an estimated $30 million salary. Veteran Fernando Alonso continues to command strong earnings at Aston Martin, reportedly around $20 million per season.

Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri are both believed to earn about $13 million, while Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and Lance Stroll are in the $12 million range. Further down the grid, experienced drivers such as Sergio Pérez, Nico Hülkenberg and Esteban Ocon earn between $7–8 million.

Rookies and younger drivers typically start on significantly smaller deals. Kimi Antonelli and Gabriel Bortoleto are estimated at around $2 million, while Oliver Bearman and Liam Lawson are closer to the $1 million mark. Arvid Lindblad is currently the only true newcomer expected to earn under $1 million on his initial Formula 1 contract, with Franco Colapinto believed to be on a similar level despite already having some Formula 1 race experience.

It is important to note that these figures are estimates rather than officially disclosed salaries. Performance bonuses, personal sponsorship agreements and commercial arrangements can substantially increase a driver’s overall income beyond their basic team salary.