Mexico City, Mexico — Mexican driver Sergio “Checo” Pérez will reportedly earn a base salary of approximately $8 million in his return to Formula 1 with the new Cadillac team for the 2026 season, according to estimates published by the specialized portal Racingnews365.
The report, released ahead of the season start, lists estimated salaries for all 22 drivers on the grid. Pérez’s figure does not include potential performance bonuses, sponsorships, or commercial deals, which could significantly increase his total earnings.
Pérez’s estimated salary would place him above several established drivers, including Nico Hülkenberg, Isaac Hadjar, Kimi Antonelli, and Franco Colapinto. It also reportedly exceeds that of his Cadillac teammate, Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas, whose salary is estimated at around $5 million.
Dutch driver Max Verstappen tops the list with an estimated $70 million, followed by British driver Lewis Hamilton at approximately $60 million and Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc at around $34 million. The top five is rounded out by reigning champion Lando Norris, estimated at $30 million, and George Russell at $24 million.
The 2026 season marks the entry of Cadillac as a new constructor and Pérez’s return to the sport after a hiatus. The report notes that Pérez faces a challenge joining a completely new team, putting him at a potential disadvantage.
The salary figures have not been officially confirmed by the teams or Formula 1 organization and remain estimates based on automotive and sports industry reports.
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