Formula 1’s lowest-paid driver ‘likely’ to double his salary heading into the 2026 season

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The Formula 1 driver market could still produce a few twists before the end of the season, but those who are certain of their futures going into 2026 could still benefit from putting in some strong performances before the end of the season.

The Mexico City Grand Prix might have gone some way to deciding the final available seats on next year’s grid.

Franco Colapinto is closing in on a new deal with Alpine despite continuing his pointless streak.

Red Bull have delayed a decision on Yuki Tsunoda’s future with Max Verstappen’s drivers’ championship battle in mind, although he’s unlikely to be retained ahead of Isack Hadjar.

Racing Bulls are the only team yet to confirm either of their drivers, although Arvid Lindblad appears to be preparing for an F1 debut in 2026.

That would potentially make Lindblad the only rookie on the grid next year despite this season’s crop exceeding expectations.

Hadjar and Andrea Kimi Antonelli have already finished on the podium, while Gabriel Bortoleto is beating Nico Hulkenberg in Sauber’s qualifying head-to-head.

Oliver Bearman produced his best performance in Formula 1 for Haas in Mexico, coming home in fourth ahead of Oscar Piastri, both Mercedes drivers and Lewis Hamilton.

Now, it looks like the British driver is set to receive a bumper pay rise ahead of a solid year alongside Esteban Ocon.

READ MORE: Who is 2025 Haas driver Oliver Bearman? Everything to know

Oliver Bearman ‘likely’ to double his salary ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season

Bearman started Sunday’s race from ninth on the grid after progressing to Q3 once again, while Ocon narrowly missed out on the top 10 shootout.

He then benefited from the chaos that ensued in front of him, with Hamilton penalised for leaving the track and gaining an advantage, forcing Verstappen and George Russell off-line.

The 20-year-old navigated his way through the pack and at one point looked like he was going to finish on the podium before settling for fourth.

Hamilton congratulated Bearman on his career-best finish in Mexico, and according to the Daily Mail, Haas are set to reward him.

Bearman is currently F1’s lowest-paid driver, sitting on a salary of £300,000 a year.

The report suggests that Bearman’s salary is ‘likely to double’ heading into his second season on the grid.

This would mean he would leapfrog Hadjar’s current Racing Bulls’ salary, although if he’s promoted to Red Bull next year, he would likely see a bump in his earnings as well.

READ MORE: All to know about Haas F1 Team from team principal to Ferrari and Toyota ties

Oliver Bearman reacts to ‘crazy race’ at the Mexico City Grand Prix

Bearman is currently on loan to Haas from Ferrari as part of a deal where the American team use their engines and other parts.

The 20-year-old has been part of their academy for some time, and there have already been suggestions that Bearman could succeed Hamilton at Ferrari one day.

Speaking in his official post-race media session, Bearman said: “It was a crazy race out there. I’m so happy to get so many good points for the team, we did a really fantastic job getting the car in the right window, it felt great underneath me – it was the perfect job.

“It’s a feel good moment also, to go side by side with Max Verstappen is a very cool feeling, he’s someone I’ve grown up watching in Formula 1.

“I’m so proud of this team – we finished P4 on merit – we may have got some luck to get there, but it was our speed that kept us there.”