Lewis Hamilton is a British Formula One racing legend. According to Formula One HQ, he boasts a net worth of $300 million. Starting his F1 journey with McLaren, Hamilton won his first Championship in 2008, becoming the youngest F1 World Champion at the time. After joining Mercedes in 2013, he clinched six more Championships (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020). In February 2024, it was revealed that he would be leaving Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season.
Hamilton ranks as one of the highest-paid athletes globally. He typically earns between $70-90 million annually, with his Mercedes contract contributing $60 million per year. In July 2023, he signed a two-year deal with Mercedes for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. However, Hamilton chose to break the agreement after just one season, opting to race for Ferrari. He is expected to earn up to $107 million per year with the Italian team.
From June 2016 to June 2017, Hamilton earned $50 million from endorsements and prize money, while between June 2017 and June 2018, he made $51 million. His earnings increased again from June 2018 to June 2019, reaching $55 million.
Born on January 7, 1985, in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England, Lewis Hamilton was raised by his mother, Carmen, and his father, Anthony, after their separation when he was two. He self-identifies as black. Hamilton began his journey into racing at a young age, with his father supporting his aspirations. After trying out karate and playing football, he was gifted a radio-controlled car at six, marking the start of his racing career. Hamilton attended The John Henry Newman School in Hertfordshire and studied at Cambridge Arts and Sciences.
Hamilton’s determination to race for McLaren was evident when, at just ten years old, he approached team principal Ron Dennis with the bold statement, “I want to race for you one day.” In 1998, he joined McLaren’s Young Driver program and made his official Formula One debut in 2007. He finished second in his rookie season, just behind Kimi Räikkönen, and secured his first World Championship in 2008. After switching to Mercedes in 2013, Hamilton dominated the sport, winning consecutive titles in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019. His seven World Championships tie him with Michael Schumacher for the most in F1 history.
In 2018, Hamilton launched a clothing line, TOMMYXLEWIS, in collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger during New York Fashion Week. Over the years, he has been involved in several controversies, both on and off the track, and has been vocal about the lack of diversity in F1. He faced racial abuse from fans during a rivalry with Fernando Alonso but remained resolute in his competition. Hamilton also revealed a special all-black Mercedes in 2020 to show support for Black Lives Matter. His candid remarks and competitive nature continue to stir attention, though he has made significant strides in promoting inclusivity.
Hamilton’s personal life has been widely publicized, with relationships to high-profile figures such as Nicole Scherzinger and rumors about other celebrities like Rihanna and Nicki Minaj. He is known for his vegan lifestyle and commitment to social causes, including his activism for racial equality. In 2022, Hamilton took legal steps to include his mother’s maiden name, Larbalestier, in his name. His diverse interests also led him to become an honorary citizen of Brazil and start his own team in the Extreme E racing series.
Lewis Hamilton’s wealth extends beyond racing. In 2019, he listed his New York penthouse for $57 million, which he had bought for $43.9 million in 2017. The property sold for $50 million in 2021. He also owns a second penthouse in Tribeca, as well as a mansion in Kensington, London, valued at $25 million. Additionally, Hamilton has properties in Nyon, Switzerland, Monaco, and a planned estate in Colorado.
Hamilton’s car collection is a testament to his success, worth at least $40 million. Notable cars include a 1995 McLaren F1 ($20 million), Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta ($4.1 million), and McLaren P1 ($1.8 million). His collection totals approximately $34.4 million, featuring an impressive range of luxury and performance cars.
Lewis Hamilton’s net worth of $300 million is a result of his extraordinary career, strategic business ventures, and high-profile endorsements. His impact on and off the track continues to make him a global icon.
