Formula 1 drivers spend their days in the hotseat of multi-million pound vehicles and racing around circuits at neck breaking speeds – so it’s no wonder that they are compensated handsomely for it.
The salaries of F1 drivers make them some of the world’s highest paid athletes as they risk their lives on the track, and that’s without including endorsements or sponsorships outwith the sport.
Here, we take a look at who are the richest F1 drivers currently on the grid.
As of 2021 Formula 1 teams must adhere to a cost cap which looks to create greater parity between powerhouse teams such as Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull compared to smaller teams such as Haas or Williams, but this doesn’t extend to driver salaries – for now.
Based on data from Forbes, which excludes any off-track compensation, here are the richest F1 drivers based on 2023 salaries.
5. Charles Leclerc – $19 million
Soon to become Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc earns $14 million with bonuses of around $5 million. | Getty Images
6. Lando Norris – $15 million
Another British racer, Lando Norris is among the richest F1 drivers on the grid at 24 years old, earning a base salary of $5 million with bonuses of around $10 million. | Getty Images
7. Carlos Sainz – $14 million
Also racing for Ferrari, Carlos Sainz has now lost his future seat on the team to Hamilton. During his time with Ferrari, he is said to take home a salary of $8 million, with $6 million in bonuses. | Getty Images
8. George Russell – $9 million
A consistent performer on the track, at Mercedes George Russell earns a base salary of $4 million with bonuses of around $5 million adding to the healthy sum. | Getty Images