Formula 1 has become the world's fastest-growing sport in terms of both viewership and driver wealth. The Netflix Drive to Survive series, expanding into the US market, and new team ownership have all contributed to a sharp rise in driver incomes.
Richest F1 Drivers 2026
| # | Driver | Net Worth | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lewis Hamilton | $300M | $50M+ (Ferrari) |
| 2 | Max Verstappen | $250M | $60M+ (Red Bull) |
| 3 | Fernando Alonso | $280M | $20M+ (Aston Martin) |
| 4 | Sebastian Vettel | $200M | Retired |
| 5 | Michael Schumacher | $600M | Retired / injured |
Hamilton vs Verstappen — Who Earns More?
Max Verstappen's Red Bull contract reportedly pays $60 million per year — more than Hamilton's Ferrari deal. But Hamilton's net worth leads because he has spent 15+ years at the peak earning $40-60M annually, while Verstappen is younger with fewer accumulated years at the top.
Hamilton's 2025 move to Ferrari for reportedly $50M+ annually was one of motorsport's most anticipated transfers. His 104 race wins and 7 World Championships make him the most decorated driver in history.
How Do F1 Drivers Make Money?
Unlike most sports, F1 drivers earn from multiple streams: base salary from the team, a bonus structure tied to championship positions, endorsement deals (Tommy Hilfiger, IWC, Monster Energy), and appearance fees. Verstappen's Oracle Red Bull deal includes Oracle branding, adding a technology company endorsement layer on top of traditional racing income.
See all athlete profiles in the WhoEarns athletes category.