Full breakdown: What each F1 driver must pay to compete in 2026

December 12, 2025 Oliver Obel

Lando Norris finally broke through for his first Formula 1 world championship in Abu Dhabi a triumph years in the making and decided by the slimmest of margins. But the celebration comes with a uniquely Formula 1 twist: the more you win, the more you pay to come back and defend it.

Under the FIA’s Super Licence system, drivers are charged a base fee plus an amount tied directly to their previous season’s points total. Norris, who topped the standings with 423 points, now finds himself owing the highest licence fee of anyone on the 2026 grid.

The figures, compiled by the motorsport outlet PlanetF1.com, show just how wide the financial gulf can be between rookies and title contenders.

How the FIA’s licence system became so expensive

Since 2015, the FIA has required all F1 drivers to meet strict qualification rules holding an International Grade A licence, completing enough races in junior series, and passing a knowledge exam. Those hurdles ensure safety and competence.

But the part drivers grumble about most is the invoice: every competitor pays a flat €11,842, plus €2,392 for every point scored the year before. In a sport where the top performers often exceed 300 points, the difference between a good season and a great one can translate to six-figure jumps.

Teams often cover the fee, though this varies by contract, and some drivers have publicly criticized the structure in the past. Still, nothing suggests the FIA plans to adjust the calculation anytime soon.

Rookies avoid the hit; midfielders feel a gentle squeeze

For newcomers and drivers who finish outside the points, the licence remains relatively inexpensive. PlanetF1.com’s breakdown shows that Arvid Lindblad, Franco Colapinto, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez all scoreless in 2025 owe only the base fee.

A step above them, midfield runners such as Gabriel Bortoleto, Pierre Gasly and Lance Stroll face more modest totals under €90,000. Debut-season scorers Oliver Bearman and Isack Hadjar land in the same neighborhood, a reflection of steady but not spectacular points hauls.

Experience still costs: veterans and rising stars climb the scale

The price climbs sharply for drivers who spent the season hovering around the top ten.

Fernando Alonso, still delivering meaningful results well into his 40s, owes €145,774 after scoring 56 points. Carlos Sainz, whose year with Williams stabilized only after the mid-season break, faces a €164,907 bill.

Alex Albon’s strong start to the campaign pushes him to €186,432.

Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli one of the paddock’s most closely watched rookies jumped far higher. His impressive debut, marked by sprint-race pace and regular points, carries a €370,589 cost. It’s the kind of early-career figure that suggests he may soon join the financial tier of F1’s elite.

The contenders pay the price for winning

Once the discussion shifts to title hopefuls, the numbers begin to resemble small operating budgets.

Lewis Hamilton’s first season in Ferrari colors proved turbulent, but he still finished with 156 points enough to generate a €384,939 licence fee. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s more consistent scorer again, amassed 242 points and will pay €590,620.

George Russell’s two victories and fourth-place finish land him at €774,776. Oscar Piastri, who remained a contender until the finale in Abu Dhabi, comes close to the million mark at €992,416.

And despite an uncooperative RB21, Max Verstappen the year’s leader in wins and poles surpasses that threshold with a €1,018,724 total.

Norris tops the championship and the invoice

For Norris, 2025 was a storybook breakthrough. But the same points tally that secured his first title also secures him the steepest bill in Formula 1:
€1,023,507 to renew his Super Licence.

It’s an odd quirk of the sport: the best drivers pay the most for the privilege of returning. But with McLaren rising and Norris entering 2026 as defending champion, there’s little doubt he’ll happily sign the paperwork.

Source: PlanetF1.com