F1 champion Fernando Alonso handed career-high payday at the age of 45

Fernando Alonso

F1 champion Fernando Alonso handed career-high payday at the age of 45

He'll be racing at Aston Martin once again in 2027

Simmey Hannifin Donaldson F1 Editor

Motorsport journalist covering F1 since 2024

Thursday 1 October 2026 11:57

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F1 legend Fernando Alonso has reportedly earned himself a career-high payday, with his new Aston Martin deal said to exceed his earnings at McLaren back in 2018.

Alonso finally ended speculation over his future in the sport ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia this weekend, with Aston Martin confirming that he would once again be driving one of their cars in 2027.

"I'm very happy to sign a new contract with Aston Martin Aramco," he said in an official team statement.

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"I took my time to make this decision, but racing is my life, my passion, and I know I still have the speed and determination to compete at the highest level. I'm committed for the long term with this team and to helping us succeed."

Unlike for some athletes, such as those competing in a host of major leagues in North America (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL), F1 driver salaries are not disclosed to the public. However, a report from Spain claims they have got the scoop on Alonso's new deal.

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Spanish reports say Alonso gets biggest deal yet

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claims that Alonso's new contract is the best one that he has signed in his career, despite previously being a world champion at Renault and racing for F1 giants such as Ferrari and McLaren.

Although they do not cite a specific figure, Mundo Deportivo reports that Alonso's earnings at Aston Martin will now exceed $40m per year.

They say that this tops the amount he was on at McLaren when he raced there between 2015 and 2018, which is cited at just under that figure.

Before signing his new contract, Alonso's deal with Aston Martin was reportedly worth $20m per year.

Where does Alonso's new salary rank in F1?

As mentioned, F1 driver salaries are not disclosed to the public, but based on reported earnings, Alonso's new deal would make him the joint-third highest-paid star in the sport.

Only Max Verstappen ($107m) and Lewis Hamilton ($60m) earn more than $40m annually, while Lando Norris ($40m) is said to be on similar earnings as his base salary.

Alonso's pay rise also sees him usurp the likes of Charles Leclerc ($34m), George Russell ($34m) and Carlos Sainz ($30m) in the F1 salary rankings.

How Alonso's earnings compare to F1 stars
Driver	Team	Base Salary
Max Verstappen	Red Bull	$107m
Lewis Hamilton	Ferrari	$60m
Fernando Alonso (new deal)	Aston Martin	$40m+
Lando Norris	McLaren	$40m
Charles Leclerc	Ferrari	$34m
George Russell	Mercedes	$34m
Carlos Sainz	Williams	$30m
Fernando Alonso (pre-new deal)	Aston Martin	$20m
Alex Albon	Williams	$15m
Oscar Piastri	McLaren	$13m
Pierre Gasly	Alpine	$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