RacingNews365 has compiled estimated annual salaries for Formula 1 drivers in 2026, based on insights from paddock sources. These figures represent base incomes, excluding bonuses and personal sponsorships. Lewis Hamilton leads with a reported $60 million salary at Ferrari, while rookie Arvid Lindblad earns between $500,000 and $1 million at Racing Bulls.
Formula 1 driver salaries remain a topic of intrigue each season, with fans curious about the earnings of top talents like Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and Charles Leclerc. RacingNews365 consulted multiple sources within the F1 paddock to estimate the 2026 pay scales, focusing solely on annual base salaries without including performance bonuses or individual endorsement deals.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who joined Ferrari at the start of the previous year, commands a substantial $60 million per year. When factoring in bonuses and sponsorships, his total income reaches $100 million. This move to the Italian team underscores the high stakes and rewards in the sport's elite echelons.
At the opposite end, rookie Arvid Lindblad, a British-Swedish driver progressing through the Red Bull Junior programme, joins Racing Bulls as the grid's sole newcomer. His salary is projected between $500,000 and $1 million for the season, reflecting the entry-level compensation in a highly competitive field.
The overview highlights the financial disparities across the 20-driver grid, with options for contract extensions noted for some beyond 2026, potentially into 2027 or 2028. While full details are available in RacingNews365's comprehensive list, these estimates provide a snapshot of the economic landscape shaping F1's future.
