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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Formula 1 (F1) has long been regarded as one of the most expensive sports, primarily because it requires substantial demands for financial resources. No wonder the majority who join the sport come from well-off families.
On top of all, F1 is undoubtedly among the most lucrative sports, with drivers enjoying astronomical earnings from their participation in racing. So, in this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the richest F1 drivers of all time, highlighting their immense net worth.
List of the Richest F1 Drivers of All Time
As per Give Me Sport and Crash, here are the top 10 richest F1 drivers of all time, boasting a hefty wealth and unrivaled speed on the circuit.
1. Michael Schumacher (US$600 million)
Topping our list is Michael Schumacher, regarded as the richest F1 driver of all time. With an estimated net worth of $600 million, Schumacher solidifies his prominence in the racing world with his considerable wealth.
Those who are not into F1 have at least heard his name once since he’s basically a legend! As the icon of the sport, he once set a record for winning 91 races but later would be surpassed by Lewis Hamilton.
2. Lewis Hamilton (US$300 million)
Often named the greatest F1 driver in history, Lewis Hamilton has demonstrated his exceptional abilities in the racing world by achieving 150 victories and securing seven world championships. Lewis Hamilton’s net worth reveals an estimated US$300 million.
With Mercedes, he received a salary of around US$45 million in his bank account. But, his annual earnings are projected to reach up to US$100 million with Ferrari soon in 2025.
Off the track, Hamilton reportedly owns a clothing brand and a non-alcoholic agave drink brand.
3. Fernando Alonso (US$264 million)
Coming in third place is Fernando Alonso, amassing a net worth of approximately US$260 million. His long career on the track has contributed greatly to his vast wealth.
The two-time world champion has driven for numerous teams, including McLaren, Ferrari, and Renault. At the age of 43, he is currently with Aston Martin, generating a good US$18 million.
4. Niki Lauda (US$200 million)
Legendary driver Niki Lauda had amassed a good fortune of US$200 million during his F1 career. Prior to his retirement in the 1985 season, Lauda won three world championships in 1975, 1977, and 1984.
Give Me Sport also reported that the Austrian driver played a pivotal role in transforming Mercedes into the dominant force in Formula 1 that it is today. Beyond racing, he once owned two airlines and appeared on TV and in movies. Lauda passed away in 2019.
5. Kimi Räikkönen (US$185 million)
Kimi Räikkönen, aka “The Iceman,” solidified his influence in F1 by becoming a one-time world champion back in 2007 with Ferrari. He amassed substantial salaries during his driver career, earning up to US$27 million, which led him to be included in Forbes’ highest-paid athletes in 2015.
The Iceman retired in 2021. Outside racing, he has allocated some of his money to smart property investments in Thailand and Finland.
6. Jenson Button (US$150 million)
With a fortune of US$150 million, Jenson Button is considered to be one of the richest F1 drivers of all time. Although he retired from racing in 2017, his influence within the industry remains solid.
He once drove for McLaren, with which he earned US$17 million per year. Now, you can find the then-2009 World Champion on Sky Sports F1 as a broadcaster. He also reportedly engaged in property investments in Britain and Bahrain.
7. Sebastian Vettel (US$143 million)
Sebastian Vettel has accumulated a fortune during his tenure in the F1 world, receiving an annual salary of US$50 million with Ferrari and nearly US$20 million while racing for Aston Martin, at which he eventually retired.
However, the German four-time world champion achieved incredible success with Red Bull, dominating the track with back-to-back victories. Furthermore, Vettel’s endorsement deals, notably with Shell and Casio, add to his considerable net worth.
8. Mario Andretti (US$132 million)
A racing legend in motorsport, Mario Andretti has a net worth of $132 million. The 1978 World Champion not only dominated in F1 but also once won a race in NASCAR, IndyCar, Daytona, and the World Sportscar Championship.
9. Eddie Irvine (US$122 million)
With a net worth exceeding US$120 million, Eddie Irvine made good money of US$50 million during his time with Ferrari. The racing team also witnessed the former driver securing a runner-up finish in 1999. Beyond racing, he has a portfolio in property investment.
10. Alain Prost (US$100 million)
Most of Alain Prost’s fortune, revealing a figure of US$100 million, stemmed from the course of his successful racing career. While in the driver’s seat, he set a record of achieving 51 race wins and becoming a four-time world champion.
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