Lewis Hamilton — The Richest Racing Driver in History

Hamilton signed with Ferrari for 2025 at an estimated $55 million per year — making him the highest-paid F1 driver ever at age 40. His career F1 earnings exceed $800 million. But the real portfolio: co-ownership of the Denver Broncos (bought in 2022), a $20 million stake in Alpine skiing team, investments in plant-based burger chain Neat Burger, and his own fashion line. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2021. His Mercedes deal alone was worth $55M/year for a decade. Hamilton proved that F1 — long a playground for wealthy heirs — could create a self-made billionaire.