Lewis Hamilton's F1 team-mate compensated by Ferrari for lack of title

Hamilton smirking as Leclerc looks annoyed in the background on F1 grid — Photo: © IMAGO

Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton's team-mate compensated by Ferrari for lack of F1 title

Charles Leclerc has been touted as a future world champion

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Monday 27 April 2026 10:58

Lewis Hamilton's F1 team-mate Charles Leclerc is yet to win a title and one insider believes Ferrari are compensating him accordingly for this.

Leclerc has raced in F1 since 2018, spending only one season at Alfa Romeo before moving up to Ferrari. Despite claiming eight victories, including an iconic win at home in Monaco, Leclerc hasn't come close to winning a title.

At the age of 28, the Monegasque driver is at the peak of his career but is no closer to achieving his dream as Mercedes dominate the new era brought about the change in regulations.

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Nevertheless, Leclerc has always maintained he wishes to win with Ferrari, and one insider believes the team have compensated him salary wise to ensure he doesn't go anywhere.

Danner: Leclerc's lack of title cushioned by salary

Speaking to Motorsport Magazin, former driver Christian Danner (who entered 47 grands prix between 1985 and 1989), claimed Leclerc is underrated and should have more success by now.

"Leclerc is underrated in terms of his actual performance," Danner explained.

"On the other hand, he is so well paid that he has actually made a compromise that isn't the worst.

"A Leclerc who had driven for Red Bull or McLaren for years: he would certainly have a few bigger successes to his name by now."

Danner then revealed Ferrari are aware of this and have awarded him a salary to suit his talents. Leclerc is estimated to be the third best paid driver on the grid, with a salary of $34million from Ferrari.

"He knows exactly what he's capable of and, even more importantly, those at Ferrari know it too and pay him a corresponding salary," Danner continued.

"The fact that he has not yet become a world championship favourite, or even world champion, has been cushioned by the salary he receives at Ferrari.

"He obviously has to find the right compromise for himself. He can always say, 'I don't want to do it anymore,' but where is he supposed to go then? Isn't the compromise perhaps worse if he drives for Red Bull and then has to deal with an undrivable car?"

"He definitely has the Ferrari system under control, and that's why I believe this is a very pragmatic decision he made himself. I'll stay in this warm, cosy nest and make the best of it. But I'm absolutely certain that he questions this himself again and again."

How much do F1 drivers earn in 2026?

Here are the base salaries of F1 drivers, as reported by multiple credible sources, excluding any performance-based bonuses, team bonuses, and personal sponsors with brands.

Driver	Team	Base salary
Max Verstappen	Red Bull	$70m
Lewis Hamilton	Ferrari	$60m
Charles Leclerc	Ferrari	$34m
George Russell	Mercedes	$34m
Lando Norris	McLaren	$30m
Fernando Alonso	Aston Martin	$20m
Oscar Piastri	McLaren	$13m
Carlos Sainz	Williams	$13m
Pierre Gasly	Alpine	$12m
Alex Albon	Williams	$12m
Lance Stroll	Aston Martin	$12m
Sergio Perez	Cadillac	$8m
Nico Hulkenberg	Audi	$7m
Esteban Ocon	Haas	$7m
Isack Hadjar	Red Bull	$5m
Valtteri Bottas	Cadillac	$5m
Kimi Antonelli	Mercedes	$2m
Gabriel Bortoleto	Audi	$2m
Ollie Bearman	Haas	$1m
Liam Lawson	Racing Bulls	$1m
Arvid Lindblad	Racing Bulls	<$1m
Franco Colapinto	Alpine	<$1m

Written by

Sheona Mountford - F1 Journalist

Sheona Mountford is a motorsport journalist specialising in F1. As a writer and contributor, she covers a wide range of motorsport series from F1 to F1 Academy, responsible for breaking news, live race coverage and in depth analysis of the sport and the culture around it.

View full biography

F1 Ferrari Charles Leclerc