Introduction:
In a year defined by skyrocketing earnings and explosive sports media growth, two Formula 1 titans—Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen—have roared their way onto the World’s Richest Athletes List. Their inclusion not only solidifies their status as elite athletes but also signals a seismic shift in the earning power of motorsport’s global icons.
So, what does it take to make the world’s richest athletes list? How did these F1 rivals carve a space among legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and LeBron James? And what does this mean for the business of Formula 1?
Let’s break down the numbers, unravel the strategies, and explore why Hamilton and Verstappen’s financial milestones are a turning point for the sport—and what businesses, sponsors, and fans should pay attention to next.
The Power Duo: Who Are Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen?
Before diving into their financial triumphs, it’s crucial to understand why these two names dominate headlines worldwide.
- Lewis Hamilton is a seven-time F1 World Champion and widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport. His global brand extends far beyond the racetrack, making him a cultural and commercial force.
- Max Verstappen, the reigning World Champion, is the youngest-ever driver to start a Grand Prix and has quickly become one of the sport’s most marketable and dominant figures.
Their rivalry has fueled ratings, generated billion-dollar sponsorships, and pushed Formula 1 into markets it previously struggled to penetrate.
By the Numbers: How Much Did They Earn?
According to Forbes’ 2025 World’s Highest-Paid Athletes List, here’s where they stand:
🏁 Lewis Hamilton: $65 million (Ranked #21)
- On-track earnings: $55 million (Mercedes contract)
- Off-track endorsements: $10 million
- Key sponsors: Tommy Hilfiger, Monster Energy, IWC, Bose, and Petronas
🏎️ Max Verstappen: $70 million (Ranked #18)
- On-track earnings: $60 million (Red Bull Racing contract and performance bonuses)
- Off-track endorsements: $10 million
- Key sponsors: Jumbo, G-Star RAW, EA Sports
Why This Matters:
Their massive paydays mark a rare occasion where two F1 drivers rank among the top 25 richest athletes globally, standing shoulder to shoulder with NBA, NFL, and football icons.
Why Are F1 Athletes Suddenly So Rich?
Here are the key factors that propelled Hamilton and Verstappen into this elite club:
1. Explosive F1 Growth Thanks to Netflix’s “Drive to Survive”
The docuseries introduced F1 to millions of new viewers, especially in the U.S. The effect? Bigger audiences, more brand visibility, and higher sponsorship fees.
2. Mega Contracts & Performance Bonuses
- Verstappen signed a record-breaking 5-year contract with Red Bull reportedly worth over $300 million including bonuses.
- Hamilton’s Mercedes deal includes championship incentives and equity discussions for future roles post-retirement.
3. Global Brand Expansion
Both drivers have established themselves as lifestyle icons. Hamilton is a fashion trendsetter and activist, while Verstappen is entering the esports and gaming scene.
4. Corporate Sponsorships and Strategic Partnerships
- With major sponsors betting on their marketability, Hamilton and Verstappen command multi-million-dollar endorsement deals.
- Hamilton also co-owns a vegan fast-food chain and has investments in sustainability ventures, further padding his net worth.
FAQs: Everything You Want to Know About Their Wealth
❓How did Max Verstappen surpass Lewis Hamilton in earnings?
Max Verstappen’s current dominance on the track, coupled with performance bonuses embedded in his Red Bull contract, elevated his earnings above Hamilton’s this year.
❓Does Lewis Hamilton earn more from racing or endorsements?
Hamilton earns the majority of his income from racing—about $55M in 2025—but is actively expanding his off-track portfolio with investments and partnerships.
❓How do F1 earnings compare to athletes in the NFL or NBA?
Top-tier F1 drivers like Hamilton and Verstappen now earn more than many NFL quarterbacks and NBA All-Stars, especially when factoring in global endorsements and year-round media exposure.
❓Is this level of wealth sustainable in Formula 1?
With Liberty Media’s aggressive global expansion strategy and the sport’s growing influence in Asia and North America, high earnings are likely sustainable—if not poised to grow further.
Key Takeaways for Businesses & Sponsors
✅ F1 Drivers Are Now Global Influencers
Hamilton and Verstappen are not just racers—they are multi-platform content creators, style icons, and brand ambassadors with global clout.
✅ Sponsorship in F1 Has Skyrocketed
- Brands are investing more in F1 due to its younger, more affluent fan base.
- A study by Nielsen Sports found F1’s media value increased by 30% in the past 3 years.
✅ Drivers Are Brands Themselves
Both athletes operate like media startups, producing original content, building online audiences, and launching branded product lines.
✅ F1 is an Untapped Opportunity for Luxury and Tech Brands
The crossover between motorsport and high-end consumer products (watches, energy drinks, fashion) is accelerating, and Hamilton/Verstappen are leading the charge.
What This Means for Formula 1’s Future
The rise of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen on the rich list reflects a broader trend: F1 is no longer a niche sport—it’s big business. The sport is becoming:
- Younger: Average fan age dropped from 36 to 32 in just 5 years.
- More diverse: Driven by Hamilton’s activism and broader audience reach.
- More digital: With growing engagement across TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch.
And with races expanding into Las Vegas, Miami, and Saudi Arabia, the commercial potential is limitless.
Conclusion: Why Their Rise Is Just the Beginning
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s inclusion in the World’s Richest Athletes List is more than a personal milestone—it’s a defining moment for Formula 1.
It sends a clear message:
F1 drivers are no longer just racers—they are global business entities, media empires, and cultural powerhouses.
As brands look for elite ambassadors and sports organizations seek new revenue models, Hamilton and Verstappen stand as case studies in how performance, personality, and smart business converge in the modern sports era.
If you’re a sponsor, fan, or entrepreneur eyeing the future of sports marketing, keep watching F1. Because Hamilton and Verstappen are not just shaping the sport—they’re shaping how athletes build wealth and legacy in the 21st century.
