A specialized report by Noticias Argentinas (NA) has revealed the list of base salaries for Formula 1 drivers for the 2026 season, highlighting a staggering economic gap of up to seventy times between the highest-paid champion and the rookies, a group that includes Argentine Franco Colapinto. According to information obtained by NA from RacingNews365, the driver from Pilar is at the bottom of the salary grid alongside debutant Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls). Colapinto's contract with Alpine, to which he arrives after his time at Williams and replacing Jack Doohan, ranges from $500,000 to $1 million annually. Meanwhile, the current world champion, Lando Norris (McLaren), is guaranteed $30 million. Top 5 highest salaries: Max Verstappen (Red Bull): $70 million. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari): $60 million. George Russell (Mercedes): $34 million. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): $34 million. Lando Norris (McClaren): $30 million. The lower tier: Liam Lawson and Oliver Bearman: $1 million each. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) and Arvid Lindblad: between $500,000 and $1 million. This figure corresponds only to the fixed salary, not including bonuses for points, podiums, or personal sponsors. At the very top of the ranking, Dutchman Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) remains with a base income of $70 million, closely followed by Lewis Hamilton, who in his new stage at Ferrari receives $60 million. The 'middle class' of the grid shows curious data, such as the return of Sergio 'Checo' Pérez to the new Cadillac team, earning $8 million (a decrease from his time at Red Bull), and the enduring contract of Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin for $20 million.
