Lando Norris: New McLaren salary 'not close' to Hamilton or Verstappen

Lando Norris has extended his McLaren contract until at least the end of 2030, but the reigning world champion insists his new salary is nowhere near the figures reported online. Despite speculation of a £30 million per year deal, Norris says he still trails Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, F1's highest earners.

Why it matters:

The extension locks in McLaren's championship-winning driver for the long term, but it also highlights the financial pecking order in Formula 1. Norris's comments reveal a driver motivated by more than just results — he wants to eventually stand alongside the sport's top earners.

The details:

• Norris's new deal runs until 2030, with a multi-year option for beyond that.
• Online reports have suggested a £30m annual salary, which Norris laughed off.
• Hamilton's base salary is reported at $70m (£52m), while Verstappen recently signed a bumper extension with Red Bull.
• Norris's admission: "I feel I should earn as much as them, but it is certainly not close to the figures that I've been seeing online, sadly."
• He explained he has "two opinions" — acknowledging Hamilton and Verstappen have achieved more, but also believing he can beat them when needed.
• "I'm working on it. I don't know when my next extension or renewal will be, but hopefully I can try and match them one day."

What's next:

Norris has cut the gap to championship leader Kimi Antonelli to 83 points after back-to-back wins in Hungary and Zandvoort. With his future secured, he can now focus entirely on chasing a second consecutive title — and, eventually, a salary that matches his ambitions.