League: F1 Sport: Motorsports Country: Global Category: Scores & Results

F1 drivers negotiate salaries and bonuses, with Verstappen leading in pay

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 18, 2026, 5:08 AM

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

F1 drivers negotiate salaries and bonuses, with Verstappen leading in pay

Summary

Formula 1 drivers earn their income through team contracts rather than per-race prize money, as confirmed in a recent report. Max Verstappen tops the 2026 salary list with an estimated $70 million base salary, followed by Lewis Hamilton at $50 million and Lando Norris at $30 million. Norris’s pay increased significantly after his 2025 championship win, which also included substantial performance bonuses. F1’s total revenue was $3.87 billion in 2025, with team payouts based on Constructors’ Championship standings. The financial distribution structure rewards teams based on historical performance, impacting driver's earnings.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Max Verstappen's base salary is estimated at $70 million in 2026.
•Lewis Hamilton earns approximately $50 million with Ferrari.
•Lando Norris's salary rose to $30 million following his 2025 title win.
•F1 revenue distribution heavily favors historical performance and team rankings.
•McLaren's revenue reflects past championship wins but ranks lower in payouts.

Latest Updates