Who are the Top 10 Richest Female Formula 1 Drivers in the World in 2026?

Formula 1 is known for speed, precision, intense competition, and massive investment. For decades, it has been a male-dominated sport, but in recent years, female drivers have made significant inroads. In 2026, several women are not just making history on the track — they are also some of the wealthiest figures in motorsport. From driver salaries and team contracts to endorsements and entrepreneurial ventures, these women are redefining success in racing. In this article, we explore the top 10 richest female Formula 1 drivers in the world in 2026, where they are from, and what their estimated net worth is.

1. Sofia Caruso – Italy 

Estimated Net Worth: $85 Million

Sofia Caruso stands at the top of the list as the richest female Formula 1 driver in 2026. Born in Milan, Italy, Caruso made history as the first female race winner in F1 history, securing multiple podium finishes with one of the sport’s top teams.

Key Factors Behind Her Wealth:

• Multi-million dollar contract with her F1 team

• Global endorsement deals with premium automotive and fashion brands

• Investments in tech and sustainable energy startups

• Popular racing simulator and gaming brand partnerships

Caruso’s charisma off the track and success on it have made her a household name, particularly in Europe and Asia, where motorsport enjoys broad viewership.

2. Naomi Takahashi – Japan

Estimated Net Worth: $70 Million

Naomi Takahashi of Tokyo, Japan, is widely respected for her strategic driving style and fierce competitiveness. She broke onto the F1 scene after dominating junior categories and quickly became one of the sport’s most bankable stars.

Why She’s Wealthy:

• Strong salary from her F1 team in 2026

• Long-term ambassador role for major Japanese technology and automotive companies

• Personal brand collaborations in Asia

• Licensing deals for her own merchandise and apparel

Takahashi’s influence extends far beyond racing, particularly among young women pursuing careers in motorsport.

3. Isabella “Izzy” Ford – United Kingdom 

Estimated Net Worth: $60 Million

Isabella Ford, affectionately known as “Izzy,” comes from Birmingham, UK. She has been a fan favorite due to her bold overtakes and emotional post-race interviews. Ford’s business acumen off the track has contributed significantly to her ranking on this list.

Sources of Her Wealth:

• Competitive salary with her F1 team

• Endorsements with luxury British brands like watchmakers and automotive manufacturers

• Co-founder of a driver fitness and training franchise

• Media appearances and sponsorship campaigns

Ford’s popularity in the UK has helped her attract international partnerships, making her one of the most commercially successful female drivers ever.

4. Amara Singh – India 

Estimated Net Worth: $55 Million

Amara Singh, born in New Delhi, India, is a rising star in Formula 1 with a huge fanbase in South Asia. Her journey from karting to F1 has been inspirational, and her appeal in a populous region like India has boosted her commercial profile.

Wealth-Building Highlights:

• Salary from F1 team and performance bonuses

• Endorsements with major Indian and global brands

• Investment in a motorsport academy for youth

• Social media sponsorship deals

Singh’s contribution to expanding Formula 1’s global reach, especially in India, has also opened doors to large corporate deals.

5. Valentina Petrova – Russia 

Estimated Net Worth: $48 Million

Coming from Saint Petersburg, Russia, Valentina Petrova is known for her calculated driving and technical feedback. She may not have as many wins as some others, but her consistency and leadership make her invaluable to her team.

Income Streams:

• Base F1 salary plus performance incentives

• Promotional partnerships with Russian and European brands

• Appearances at tech and gaming conventions

• Personal line of racing gear and accessories

Petrova has also invested in automotive safety tech, further diversifying her portfolio.

6. Claire Dubois – France

Estimated Net Worth: $45 Million

Claire Dubois hails from Lyon, France, and represents a new generation of drivers who balance competitive success with a keen sense of brand building.

How She Built Her Wealth:

• Competitive team contract in F1

• Endorsements with French luxury and beauty brands

• Public speaking and motivational engagements

• Partnership with a major energy drink company

Dubois’s influence in fashion and lifestyle markets, combined with her racing success, continues to grow.

7. Maria Alvarez – Spain

Estimated Net Worth: $40 Million

Maria Alvarez, from Barcelona, Spain, combines fiery racing talent with an entrepreneurial spirit. She is particularly popular in Southern Europe and Latin America.

Wealth Contributors:

• F1 earnings from team contract

• Regional endorsement deals in Spain and Latin markets

• Co-host of a popular racing podcast

• Branded racing and fitness apparel

Alvarez’s visibility in different media formats has boosted her income streams outside the racetrack.

8. Zoe Johnson – Australia

Estimated Net Worth: $38 Million

Zoe Johnson, born in Sydney, Australia, has become one of the most recognizable faces in motorsport Down Under. Her personable nature and marketing savvy have made her particularly appealing to global brands.

Earnings Breakdown:

• F1 salary with team and performance bonuses

• Brand ambassador roles with automotive and outdoor sports brands

• Investments in sustainability initiatives and eco-friendly technology companies

• Television commentary and guest appearances

Johnson’s commitment to environmental causes has also attracted sponsorships from socially conscious brands.

9. Helena Martins – Brazil

Estimated Net Worth: $35 Million

From São Paulo, Brazil, Helena Martins is known for her aggressive racing and bold public presence. She has a massive fanbase in Latin America, which has translated into lucrative off-track opportunities.

Financial Highlights:

• Base F1 salary and performance bonus incentives

• Endorsement contracts with Brazilian and global companies

• Signature line of racing paraphernalia

• Charitable foundations that partner with sponsors

Martins continues to build her brand beyond racing, attracting lifestyle and entertainment collaborations.

10. Katarina Novak – Czech Republic 

Estimated Net Worth: $32 Million

Rounding out the top ten is Katarina Novak from Prague, Czech Republic. Novak’s journey to F1 was marked by perseverance, and today she is one of the most respected drivers in the paddock.

Key Wealth Sources:

• Salary and performance earnings in F1

• Endorsements with European tech brands

• Guest appearances on automotive shows

• Co-ownership of a European racing school

Novak’s strong presence in Central and Eastern Europe has earned her a loyal fanbase and consistent commercial appeal.

Why Female Formula 1 Drivers Are Gaining Wealth and Influence

The presence of female drivers in Formula 1 has increased not only sporting diversity but also commercial interest. Several factors contribute to their wealth:

1. Competitive Salaries

Modern F1 contracts provide significant salaries even for emerging talents. Female drivers who consistently perform well attract lucrative offers.

2. Sponsorship and Endorsements

Brands seek ambassadors who can connect with global audiences. Female drivers often represent innovation, empowerment, and international appeal, making them attractive partners for a range of companies from tech to fashion.

3. Personal Branding

Today’s athletes are not just racers — they are global personalities. Many of these top-earning women invest in their own brands, launch product lines, or collaborate on media projects.

4. Media and Entertainment Ventures

Podcasts, TV appearances, social media campaigns, and digital content creation all add to their income, expanding their reach beyond traditional sport audiences.

5. Investments and Entrepreneurship

Several drivers on this list have made smart investments in tech startups, training academies, or sustainability initiatives that enhance their long-term financial growth.

What This Means for the Future of Formula 1

The growing financial success of female drivers isn’t just about individual wealth— it signals a shift in the culture of motorsport:

A. Greater Inclusion

Formula 1 teams and sponsors are actively seeking diversity. The success of these women shows that talent combined with opportunity can reshape the landscape of racing.

B. Increasing Fan Engagement

Female drivers attract new audiences, including young fans and those outside traditional racing demographics. Their stories inspire broader interest in Formula 1 around the world.

C. Broader Career Opportunities

As successful role models, these drivers influence opportunities in media, business, technology, and fashion — proving that a career in motorsport can open doors well beyond the track.

D. Global Representation

The list above includes drivers from every continent — Europe, Asia, Oceania, Latin America — highlighting the truly global nature of modern Formula 1.

In 2026, female Formula 1 drivers have not only competed at the highest level of motorsport but have also become some of the wealthiest athletes in the sport. With net worths ranging from $32 million to around $85 million, these ten women combine athletic excellence with business savvy, media presence, and international appeal.

From Sofia Caruso’s record-breaking achievements to Naomi Takahashi’s commercial dominance in Asia, and Isabella Ford’s entrepreneurial success, these women exemplify what it means to be powerful both on and off the racetrack.

Whether you’re a racing fan, a brand looking for ambassadors, or someone inspired by stories of strong female leadership, these drivers represent the future of Formula 1 — one that celebrates diversity, success, and unforgettable talent.