F1 Reserve Driver Salaries (2026): How Much Do Backup Drivers Earn?
F1 Reserve Driver Salaries (2026): What Do Backup Drivers Really Earn?
Formula 1 reserve driver salaries are often misunderstood. While some assume backup drivers are earning millions just to stay on standby, the reality in 2026 is far more grounded.
Most reserve drivers are believed to earn base retainers between $150,000 and $500,000 per year, with additional income coming from practice sessions, race call-ups, and simulator work. In some cases, drivers also bring commercial value or sponsor backing that offsets their cost to the team.
| Category | Typical Earnings |
|---|---|
| Base Retainer | $150K – $500K |
| FP1 Session Bonus | $25K – $50K per session |
| Race Call-Up Fees | Case-by-case (can be significant) |
| Simulator / Testing | Often included or negotiated separately |
Figures are estimates based on typical F1 reserve driver compensation structures.
What Does an F1 Reserve Driver Do?
Reserve drivers play a critical role behind the scenes in Formula 1 teams:
- Stand by to replace a race driver if needed
- Work extensively in simulators to support car development
- Take part in practice sessions during race weekends
- Assist engineers with setup feedback and performance data
How F1 Reserve Drivers Are Paid
Base Retainer: Most reserve drivers earn a relatively modest fixed salary: Typically $150K to $500K per year Lower-end deals are common for junior or academy-linked drivers Some drivers offset costs through sponsorship or external backing
Practice Bonuses: Drivers can earn additional income through practice sessions: Around $25K to $50K per FP1 appearance Regular appearances can meaningfully boost total earnings
Race Call-Up Fees: If a reserve driver is required to race: Compensation is negotiated case-by-case Can significantly exceed normal reserve earnings for that weekend Simulator & Testing Work Often included in the base agreement In some cases, structured separately depending on role and experience.
| Driver | Team | Estimated Base Salary | Role / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fred Vesti | Mercedes | $150K – $500K | Academy-linked reserve |
| Ayumu Iwasa | Racing Bulls | $150K – $500K | Development-focused reserve driver |
| Antonio Giovinazzi | Ferrari | $150K – $500K+ | Experienced reserve |
| Jak Crawford | Aston Martin | $150K – $500K | Junior reserve profile |
| Leonardo Fornaroli | McLaren | $150K – $500K | Early-career reserve role |
| Kush Maini | Alpine | $150K – $500K | Academy-linked development driver |
| Paul Aron | Alpine | $150K – $500K | Development reserve role |
| Luke Browning | Williams | $150K – $500K | Academy pathway reserve driver |
Estimated base salaries. Actual compensation may vary based on bonuses, FP1 appearances, race call-ups, and commercial agreements.
F1 reserve drivers in 2026 are not earning superstar-level salaries, but they remain a crucial part of every team’s structure. With relatively low base retainers and performance-based upside, these roles offer a pathway back to the grid| Role | Typical Earnings Profile | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Reserve Driver | Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) | $150K – $500K base + bonuses |
| Full-Time Rookie | Franco Colapinto (Alpine) | $1M – $4M |
| Top F1 Drivers | Max Verstappen (Red Bull) | $20M – $70M |
The gap highlights how reserve driver roles are structured more around opportunity and long-term positioning rather than guaranteed high salaries.
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