Lewis Hamilton: The Champion’s Journey

Scope 01 Apr 2025

A Quick Look at Lewis Hamilton

Category:: Richest Athletes › Race Car Drivers
Net Worth:: $300 Million
Salary:: $60 Million Per Year
Birthdate:: Jan 7, 1985 (40 years old)
Birthplace:: Stevenage
Gender:: Male
Height:: 5 ft 8 in (1.74 m)
Profession:: Race car driver, Voice Actor
Nationality:: United Kingdom

Lewis Hamilton's Financial Empire: A Closer Look at His Net Worth

Meet Lewis Hamilton, the British Formula One legend with a staggering net worth of $300 million. Hamilton’s journey to the top of the racing world began with McLaren, where he started his F1 career. In 2008, he claimed his first F1 Championship title with McLaren, making history as the youngest-ever Formula One World Champion at the time. Fast forward to 2013, and Hamilton joined Mercedes, where he went on to dominate the sport, securing six additional Championships (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020). And just when you thought the story couldn’t get more exciting, in February 2024, it was announced that Hamilton would leave Mercedes for Ferrari, marking a bold new chapter in his career.

Money Talks: Salary and Contracts

Lewis Hamilton is no stranger to the big bucks. He ranks among the highest-paid F1 drivers globally and is one of the most lucrative athletes overall. In a typical year, Hamilton rakes in between $70-90 million, with the majority coming from his Mercedes contract, which pays him a cool $60 million annually. But here’s where things get interesting.

In July 2023, Lewis signed a two-year deal with Mercedes, securing $60 million per year for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. However, after just one season, Hamilton decided to part ways with Mercedes and make the leap to Ferrari for the 2025 season. It’s rumored that Ferrari is offering him up to $107 million per year, making it one of the most lucrative deals in racing history.

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Between June 2016 and June 2017, Hamilton earned an impressive $50 million from endorsements and prize money. The following year, he brought in $51 million, and in the next 12-month period, he added another $55 million to his coffers. Clearly, Hamilton’s financial success extends far beyond the racetrack.

From Humble Beginnings: Hamilton's Early Life

Born Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton on January 7, 1985, in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England, his life was shaped by a unique blend of cultures. His mother, Carmen, is Caucasian, while his father, Anthony, is Black. Hamilton proudly identifies as Black. His parents split when he was just two years old, and he lived with his mom and half-sisters until he was 12. That’s when he moved in with his dad, stepmom, and half-brother Nicolas, marking a pivotal moment in his life.

As a child, Hamilton turned to karate as a form of self-defense, but it was his love for racing that truly defined him. At the age of five, he was bullied at school, but his dad bought him a radio-controlled car, sparking his passion for speed. The following year, Hamilton finished second at the British Radio Car Association championship. By the time he was six, he received a go-kart for Christmas, setting the stage for his future career. His father, Anthony, promised to support his racing ambitions as long as Lewis stayed focused on his academics. Lewis attended The John Henry Newman School, a Catholic secondary school in Hertfordshire, where he also excelled in soccer. He later pursued his education at Cambridge Arts and Sciences starting in early 2001.

Racing to the Top: Hamilton's Career

Back in the day, a ten-year-old Lewis Hamilton boldly walked up to Ron Dennis, the McLaren racing team principal, and declared, “I want to race for McLaren one day.” That kind of confidence is rare, especially in someone so young. But Hamilton wasn’t just dreaming—he was building a legacy.

In 1998, Hamilton joined the McLaren Young Driver program, marking the start of his professional journey. By 2007, he became an official Formula One McLaren driver. He made history as the first and only Black racecar driver in the sport. In his debut season, he finished as the runner-up to Kimi Räikkönen. The following year, Hamilton clinched his first F1 World Championship title, sealing the deal in the final race of the season. He joined Mercedes in 2013 and went on to secure back-to-back World Championships in 2014 and 2015. Hamilton’s winning streak continued with consecutive titles in 2017, 2018, and 2019, bringing his total to seven World Championships—tying him with Michael Schumacher for the most in history.

In 2018, Hamilton ventured into the world of fashion, collaborating with American designer Tommy Hilfiger to launch TOMMYXLEWIS during New York Fashion Week. Models like Winnie Harlow and Hailey Baldwin graced the runway alongside Hamilton, showcasing his versatility beyond the track.

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Hamilton hasn’t shied away from controversy, both on and off the track. During a race in Spain, he faced racial abuse from some fans, highlighting the challenges he’s faced in a predominantly White sport. His intense rivalry with Spanish driver Fernando Alonso only fueled the flames, but Hamilton remains unapologetically competitive, acknowledging that this trait sometimes creates tension with fellow drivers.

In the weeks leading up to the 2018 German Grand Prix, Hamilton inked a two-year contract extension with Mercedes, worth nearly $50 million per year. In 2020, he took a bold stand by racing in a brand-new, all-black Mercedes to support Black Lives Matter. Dubbed the Black Arrow, the car was designed by Hamilton himself and made its debut in Austria, marking the start of the delayed Formula One season.

However, even the greatest champions face challenges. In 2022, technical regulation changes forced Hamilton to adapt to new car designs, resulting in a season without a win or pole position for the first time in his Formula One career. Yet, his resilience and determination remain unmatched.

Beyond the Track: Hamilton's Personal Life

Hamilton’s personal life has been as thrilling as his racing career. In November 2007, he began dating Nicole Scherzinger, the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls. Their on-again, off-again relationship spanned several years before they parted ways for good in 2015. After his split from Scherzinger, rumors swirled about Hamilton dating Rihanna, Rita Ora, and other high-profile figures. He’s also been romantically linked to Nicki Minaj, with whom he enjoyed a romantic getaway to Dubai.

Hamilton is a committed vegan, passionate about animal rights and sustainability. Despite his global success, he’s faced criticism from some U.K. MPs for avoiding taxes by living abroad. Interestingly, Hamilton was named after Olympic sprint champion Carl Lewis, a nod to his athletic aspirations.

As a lifelong Arsenal fan, Hamilton often jokes that if Formula One hadn’t worked out, he’d have pursued a career in soccer or cricket—sports he excelled at during his high school years. In 2022, Hamilton announced plans to legally change his name to include his mother’s maiden name, Larbalestier, as a middle name, honoring his family roots.

Hamilton’s influence extends beyond sports. In June 2022, he was named an honorary citizen of Brazil, thanks to a proposal by politician Andre Figueiredo. That same year, he launched Team X44, an all-electric SUV off-road racing team competing in Extreme E. Team X44 finished second in the inaugural championship and won the Extreme E Sustainability Award in January 2022. They went on to claim the 2022 Championship title after their rivals were disqualified. Hamilton also joined the ownership group of the Denver Broncos, further cementing his status as a global sports icon.

Luxury Living: Hamilton's Real Estate Empire

Hamilton’s real estate portfolio is as impressive as his racing resume. In 2019, he listed his New York penthouse for $57 million, located in the same Tribeca building as Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Meg Ryan, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Bella Hadid. He originally purchased the 8,900-square-foot unit for $43.9 million in 2017, eventually selling it for $50 million in December 2021. Interestingly, he never lived in the unit, opting instead for another penthouse at 70 Vestry Street, which he acquired in 2019 for $40.7 million.

In London, Hamilton owns a four-story mansion in Kensington, a historic property built in 1860, valued at $25 million. He also has apartments in Nyon, Switzerland, and Monaco, along with an estate in Colorado where he plans to retire after hanging up his helmet.

Wheels of Wealth: Hamilton's Personal Car Collection

When it comes to cars, Hamilton’s collection is nothing short of extraordinary. Based on the vehicles he’s showcased on social media or confirmed ownership of, his car collection is worth at least $40 million. His crown jewel? A 1995 McLaren F1 valued at around $20 million. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout pieces in his garage: