News summary
- Lando Norris confirmed that his new McLaren contract comes with a higher salary, but said it is still nowhere near the levels associated with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
- The reigning World Champion believes his career has not yet matched the achievements of Hamilton and Verstappen, which he says justifies their higher earnings for now.
- Norris nevertheless believes he could eventually earn at the same level, arguing that he can compete with both rivals and deliver at the same level when required.
Lando Norris acknowledged that his new salary at McLaren remains below the level of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, but he did not rule out reaching the same level in the future. The reigning World Champion admitted that his career still does not compare with those of the multiple champions, although he believes he has the ability to compete with both on equal terms.
In an interview with British newspaper The Telegraph, Norris avoided revealing the exact salary included in his new deal but played down the figures circulating in the media and on social media. The reigning World Champion also acknowledged that Verstappen and Hamilton have built more successful careers and therefore understands why the two deserve to earn more.
“I think I should earn as much as they do, but [the new contract] certainly isn’t close to the figures I’ve been seeing online, sadly! Of course, it’s a bit more [than the previous contract], as happens with any renewal. But it certainly isn’t close to the level of Lewis or Max. In a way, it shouldn’t be, because I haven’t achieved as much as they have in their careers,” Norris said.
However, during his response, Norris offered a second perspective when discussing the salary gap. While acknowledging that Verstappen and Hamilton have more established careers in F1, the British driver believes on-track performance could justify bringing their earnings closer together.
“On the other hand, I believe it could be like that [equal salaries], because I believe I can compete with them whenever I need to and I can do a better job whenever I need to. So, yes, I guess I have the two opinions on it. I’m working on it. I don’t know when my next contract renewal will be, but hopefully I can match them one day,” he concluded.
Norris recently secured a new McLaren contract through at least 2030, reinforcing his long-term commitment to the team. The deal followed consecutive victories in Hungary and the Netherlands and cemented the reigning World Champion’s place as one of the key figures in McLaren’s future.
The extension also keeps Norris alongside Oscar Piastri as McLaren continues to build around its current driver pairing. GRANDE PRÊMIO previously detailed how Norris’s new agreement strengthens the team’s long-term stability. Norris’s McLaren contract extension through 2030
The Formula 1 season returns this weekend, from September 4 to 6, at Monza. Check the Italian GP 2026 schedule and full session times for all the details. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action from the Italian GP, the 13th round of the 2026 season.
FAQ
1. Did Lando Norris receive a salary increase with his new McLaren contract?
Yes. Norris confirmed that his new contract pays more than his previous deal, although he stressed that the figure remains well below the levels he associates with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
2. Why does Norris believe Hamilton and Verstappen deserve higher salaries?
Norris pointed to their greater achievements and more successful careers in Formula 1, acknowledging that both have won multiple World Championships and accumulated more major accomplishments.
3. Could Norris eventually earn as much as Hamilton and Verstappen?
Yes. Norris believes his on-track performance could eventually justify a salary at the same level, arguing that he can compete with both drivers and deliver a comparable level of performance.
