George Russell's Reported Mercedes Salary Increase Puts Him Among F1's Top Earners

George Russell is reportedly set to become one of the top four highest-paid drivers in Formula 1 next season, following a significant $7 million increase in his basic Mercedes salary. This comes after months of speculation, with Mercedes confirming earlier this week that the Briton will continue with the Brackley squad.

Why it matters:

• Russell's new contract and reported salary jump highlight his growing stature within Formula 1, especially after stepping into the lead driver role for Mercedes this season. His performance, including two Grand Prix wins, underscores his value to the team.
• The significant financial commitment from Mercedes signals their continued belief in Russell as a core part of their future, particularly as the team navigates the post-Lewis Hamilton era and looks ahead to the 2026 regulations.

The Details:

• Russell's reported base salary is set to increase from $23 million in 2025 to $30 million for the upcoming season.
• This places him among the grid's top earners, behind only Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Lando Norris.
• He has reportedly surpassed Fernando Alonso, Charles Leclerc, and Oscar Piastri in the salary rankings.
• Performance Focus: Russell emphasized his motivation, stating, "I believe Mercedes is my best chance of winning the championship next year. For me, it's more about winning than it is about money or sponsor days or anything; I want to win, and this is what I'm fighting for."
• Contract Duration: While sources suggest a multi-year deal, it could potentially be a '1+1' arrangement, with Russell highlighting that his continued presence at Mercedes is "always just comes down to performance."
• F1 2026 Driver Salaries (Reported):
  • Max Verstappen (Red Bull): $75 million
  • Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari): $57 million
  • Lando Norris (McLaren): $35 million
  • George Russell (Mercedes): $30 million
  • Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin): $27.5 million
  • Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): $27 million
  • Oscar Piastri (McLaren): $25.9 million
  • Carlos Sainz (Williams): $19 million

What's next:

Russell's commitment to Mercedes, coupled with his enhanced salary and leadership role, positions him as a key figure in the team's ambitions for the 2026 regulations. His focus on performance and winning championships aligns with Mercedes' long-term goals, making his role pivotal in their quest to return to the top of Formula 1.