Last Updated on February 11 2026, 7:32 am
Salary ranking published: Max Verstappen may no longer be the reigning Formula 1 world champion, but when it comes to earnings, the Red Bull star remains firmly on top. According to an unofficial salary ranking for the 2026 season published by the website RacingNews365, the Dutchman is still the highest-paid driver on the grid by a significant margin.
Despite losing the title fight to Lando Norris, Verstappen’s financial position appears completely unaffected. The report claims that ‘Super Max’ will earn a base salary of around 70 million US dollars in 2026, excluding performance-related bonuses. This comfortably places him at the top of Formula 1’s pay scale once again.
It is important to note that these figures have not been officially confirmed. RacingNews365 describes them as estimates compiled from discussions with multiple sources in the paddock. Nevertheless, the ranking offers a fascinating insight into how teams value their star drivers as they head into a new technical era.
Verstappen remains Red Bull’s top asset
Red Bull’s continued willingness to pay him such a huge sum underlines his importance to the team. Even without the world championship crown, the Dutchman is still one of the sport’s most marketable and competitive drivers. His long-term contract, combined with Red Bull’s reliance on his consistent performance, explains why his salary remains unaffected by recent on-track results.
Bonuses linked to race wins, podiums and championship positions could push Verstappen’s total earnings even higher over the course of the season, further extending his lead over the rest of the grid.
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Hamilton is second despite missing the title fight
Perhaps the biggest surprise in the ranking is second place. Rather than the reigning world champion, Lando Norris, it is Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton who reportedly occupies that position. The seven-time world champion is said to earn around 60 million US dollars per season with the Scuderia.
This salary reflects Hamilton’s status as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history, as well as Ferrari’s belief in his commercial and sporting value. Even late in his career, Hamilton remains a global icon, and Ferrari appears willing to pay a premium to secure his services and experience.
A huge gap to the chasing pack
With Verstappen and Hamilton earning vastly more than anyone else, the rest of the grid is left trailing behind financially. According to the ranking, Charles Leclerc and George Russell are joint third, with an estimated salary of 34 million US dollars each.
World champion Lando Norris comes next in fifth position, reportedly earning around 30 million US dollars. While this is an impressive figure, it highlights the fact that even the reigning title holder can earn significantly less than more established superstars.
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Midfield stars fill out the top ten
Fernando Alonso is in sixth place with an estimated salary of 20 million US dollars at Aston Martin, which underlines his continued value despite his veteran status. Carlos Sainz, now at Williams, and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri are both said to earn around 13 million US dollars.
Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and Lance Stroll complete the top ten, all reportedly on salaries of around 12 million US dollars.
As Formula 1 moves closer to the 2026 regulation overhaul, this salary ranking clearly shows that success, experience and star power still command a hefty premium at the very top of the sport.
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NEXT ARTICLE – Safety concerns raised over dramatic closing speeds in new F1 era
The all new Formula One era has been eagerly anticipated although the recent test in Barcelona behind closed doors has kept fans and F1 analysts alike guessing as to who will come out on top. Following drivers having tested their new machines in the simulator before the five days at the Circuit de Catalunya, the consensus was that in 2026 there will be a lot more overtaking.
Gone is the Drag Reduction system in use since 2011, which was introduced to improver overtaking although its usefulness came under fire in recent years. At certain circuits a car wishing to overtake the one in front needed to be as much as a second a lap quicker then its prey even with the DRS engaged.
In, is an Indycar style push to pass system which will allow a driver to deploy extra energy from the battery to either make a pass or to defend a potential overtake. With the electrical energy available more than three times that of the previous F1 era, harvesting energy will become a critical part of the drivers armoury.
Massive closing speeds in Barcelona test
However, what is clear from Barcelona is that a number of the cars were running out of charge before the end of the front straight. This means the driver will then either lift and coast or more likely shift down through the gears to increase the engine revs and use the internal combustion engine as a generator for the battery pack.
With one driver harvesting on the straight, whilst the one behind is deploying their battery power the closing speeds between the cars will increase dramatically compared to last season. Toto Wolff revealed that…CONTINUE READING
Stanton is a London-based journalist specialising in sports business and sponsorship. With a degree in economics and years reporting for business-focused publications, Stanton translates F1’s complex financial world into clear, compelling narratives.
