In F1, drivers put their lives on the line in million dollar cars - for that risk, they collect big checks.
F1 Prize money is split based on each teams finish in the Constructors' Championship standings.
McLaren earned roughly $165.8 million dollars last year for winning the 2025 Constructors Championship.
In 2024, Max Verstappen became the highest paid F1 driver, surpassing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. The Dutch racing driver is earning $70 million during the 2026 season.
F1 Driver Salaries
Driver | Team | Salary (USD) |
Max Verstappen | Red Bull | $70 Million |
Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | $60 Million |
Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | $34 Million |
George Russell | Mercedes | $34 Million |
Lando Norris | McLaren | $30 Million |
Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | $24 Million |
Pierre Gasly | Alpine | $18.2 Million |
Carlos Sainz | Williams | $13 Million |
Oscar Piastri | McLaren | $13 Million |
Alex Albon | Williams | $12 Million |
Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | $12 Million |
Sergio Perez | Cadillac | $10 Million |
Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls | $7.5 Million |
Esteban Ocon | Haas | $7 Million |
Nico Hulkenburg | Audi | $7 Million |
Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac | $5 Million |
Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | $3.4 Million |
Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi | $2 Million |
Liam Lawson | Red Bull | $1 Million |
Oliver Bearman | Haas | $1 Million |
Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls | $500k-$1 Million |
Franco Colapinto | Alpine | $500k-$1 Million |
In Formula 1, drivers do not directly receive prize money for victories, but typically enjoy further financial compensation beyond their base salaries from their teams depending on success.
This additional money is typically dependent on where the drivers finish in particular races, and the season. Some drivers receive significant bonuses for podium finishes, or winning the Individual season.
Estimated 2026 F1 Prize Money
F1 is estimated to distribute $1.4 billion in prize money in 2026. The prize money is roughly 45-50% of Formula 1's commercial revenue pool which earns money through media and broadcast rights, global sponsorships, and race hosting fees.
75% of the prize money (~$1.05 billion) is divided according to how teams finish in the 2026 F1 season. There is roughly a $9-10 million difference between each position in the table.
Historical Success Payments
20% of the remaining prize money (~$280 million) is distributed according to past championship wins and performances. Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, and Williams receive a portion of this amount.
Special Ferrari Payment
Ferrari earns the remaining 5% of the total prize money as a 'historic payment.' This payment in 2026 is expected to be $70 million.
Ferrari receive this extra money based on their global popularity in attracting fans to the sport.
Constructors' Estimated Prize Money
The estimated amount of prize money is based on 2024's total prize money, and therefore is no 100% accurate, and will not be determined until the season is finished.
Constructors' Finish | Estimated Prize Money |
1st | $140-165 Million |
2nd | $130-155 Million |
3rd | $120-145 Million |
4th | $110-135 Million |
5th | $100-125 Million |
6th | $90-115 Million |
7th | $80-105 Million |
8th | $70-95 Million |
9th | $65-85 Million |
10th | $58-75 Million |
11th | $51-75 Million |
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Every F1 World Champion since 1950.
