#4 — Leclerc and Russell: about $34 million each
Tied at about $34 million a year, two elite names: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and George Russell (Mercedes). Both are among the few drivers who cross the $30 million salary mark.
Leclerc, a native of Monaco, has Ferrari's long-term trust (he renewed his contract into the 2030s). Russell became the face of Mercedes after Hamilton's departure. These are salaries that show the teams' faith — but still far below the two giants at the top.
Three to go. And #1 is the driver who earns the most of all.
#3 — The paradox: salary ≠ what you earn
Before the top 2, the layer that explains everything. In F1, the base salary is just one part of real income. The real earnings come from three places: salary + performance bonuses + personal sponsorships and businesses.
A concrete example: while the base salary rules, win and title bonuses can add up to millions (Verstappen pocketed about $11M in bonuses alone in one season). And personal sponsorships multiply everything. That's why "highest-paid" changes depending on how you count — salary, total with bonuses, or full income. Hold on to that to understand the top 2.
#2 — Lewis Hamilton: the biggest base salary, near $100 million total
Here's the man with the biggest base salary on the grid: Lewis Hamilton, with about $60 to 70 million a year at Ferrari (sources vary). But the salary is just the beginning.
With bonuses and a top-tier sponsorship portfolio, plus investments in fashion, entertainment, and gastronomy, the seven-time champion's total annual income approaches $100 million. Even in a difficult stretch of results, Hamilton remains one of the most marketable athletes on the planet. In total income, he rivals anyone — but there's one name that surpasses him in the overall ranking.
And now #1 — the driver who earns more than everyone.