Top F1 drivers earn $20–55 million per year in base salary. Max Verstappen leads at ~$55M annually, Lewis Hamilton ~$40M. Mid-field drivers earn $3–10M, while rookies can start at $500K–$2M per season.
There are 20 drivers on the F1 grid at any time — two per team across 10 constructors. Each team must also nominate at least one reserve driver who can substitute in emergencies.
Most F1 drivers progress through junior categories: karting → Formula 4 → Formula 3 → Formula 2. A Super Licence (300 FIA points from junior results over 3 years) is mandatory to race in F1. Strong backing from an F1 team academy greatly helps.
Lewis Hamilton holds the most records: 7 World Championships, 103 race wins and 104 pole positions. Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher are also widely regarded among the greatest. Visit our Hall of Fame for the full ranking.
Drivers must be at least 18 years old to obtain an FIA Super Licence and compete in Formula 1. The Super Licence also requires a valid national driving licence and meeting FIA points requirements from junior series.