After three months with no races, Formula One returns with a bang this Sunday.The first grand prix of the season will take place in Melbourne, Australia, with the usual suspects eyeing the prize.Lando Norris is aiming to make it two titles on the trot, having spectacularly secured glory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix back in December.But Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, will be out for revenge after narrowly missing out on that occasion.TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayLewis Hamilton enters the new campaign looking to silence his critics after a difficult first season at Ferrari.And Oscar Piastri, who finished third last season, has enough about him to compete at the very top.But who is the best-paid driver? GB News now takes you through the top 10, what they take home and what makes them, in the eyes of their teams at least, worth the money.1) Max Verstappen (Red Bull)The reigning benchmark of the grid, Verstappen, continues to command the highest total package in the sport at an estimated 55million.His long-term commitment to Red Bull Racing, which currently runs through 2028, ensures he remains the best-rewarded athlete in F1 history.While his base retainer is a staggering 47m, the Dutchman's contract is heavily bolstered by performance-related incentives, estimated at roughly 8m for 2026, reflecting his consistent ability to deliver victories and championships for the Milton Keynes-based outfit. LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Mikel Arteta sets record straight on his 'black eye' after gritty Arsenal win over ChelseaLeeds United's potential punishments after fans booed Ramadan break during Premier League match with Man CitySky Sports forced to apologise after football fan's actions during live interview2) Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)Now firmly established in his tenure with Scuderia Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton takes the second spot with estimated earnings of 51m.Unlike his rivals, Hamiltons deal is reportedly structured around a massive flat base salary of 50m, making him the highest-guaranteed earner before any bonuses are considered.His move to Maranello has been a commercial masterstroke for both parties; beyond his driving duties, the seven-time champion's contract is said to involve significant investment into his charitable foundations and long-term brand legacy.3) Lando NorrisNorris has rocketed into the upper echelon of F1's earners following his 2025 World Championship triumph.His 2026 package is estimated at 41m, though its structure differs sharply from the veterans above him.Norris earns a relatively modest base of 13m, but his championship-winning form has triggered a phenomenal 28m in performance bonuses.Having signed a long-term extension that keeps him at Woking until at least 2027, Norris is now the undisputed cornerstone of McLaren's resurgence.4) Oscar PiastriThe meteoric rise of Oscar Piastri is reflected in his 27m estimated earnings for the 2026 season.Mirroring his teammates incentive-heavy structure, Piastri receives a 7m base salary, which is more than tripled by an estimated 20m in bonuses following McLaren's recent Constructors' Championship success.His rapid development into a race winner has prompted McLaren to secure his services with a bumper new contract that reportedly rivals the upper tier of the grid, ensuring the team retains the most expensive, and productive, young duo in the paddock.Sign up for our FREE Sports newsletter here5) Charles LeclercRounding out the top five is Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, with a reported flat salary of 21m.While his total figure sits below his teammate Hamilton, Leclercs contract is notable for its stability, consisting entirely of a guaranteed base with no reported performance bonuses for the 2026 cycle.Having been a staple of the Ferrari family since 2019, Leclerc's current multi-year agreement reportedly includes "step-up" clauses that will see his earnings continue to climb toward the 40m mark as he approaches the end of the decade.Who else makes the top 10?6. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin): 19m.7. George Russell (Mercedes): 18m.8. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin): 9m.9. Carlos Sainz (Williams): 9m10. Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes): 9mOur Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter