Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move pays dividends as net worth shoots up to almost £400m

Lewis Hamilton is not only one of Britain’s most successful sports stars, he’s also one of the wealthiest, as his lofty position in this year’s Sunday Times Rich List demonstrates

Lewis Hamilton has firmly established himself as one of the UK’s richest individuals, earning the 324th position on the 2025 Sunday Times Rich List. The seven-time Formula 1 champion now boasts a personal fortune of £385million, underlining his immense achievements both on and off the track.

Now approaching the £400m threshold, Hamilton joins David Beckham as one of only two athletes to make it onto this year’s prestigious list. At 40, he’s also among the youngest individuals named.

A substantial portion of his massive wealth stems from his high-profile switch to Ferrari, confirmed last year, which has made him the highest-paid driver in F1 history. Reports estimate his long-term agreement is valued at more than £100m annually, factoring in base salary, endorsements, image licensing, and bonuses tied to performance.

Hamilton’s inclusion on the Rich List underscores his ability to build wealth through various income streams. His earnings from over 20 years in F1 – with stints at McLaren and Mercedes – forms the foundation of his financial success.

Off the track, he’s landed lucrative endorsement deals with global names like Tommy Hilfiger, Monster Energy, and IWC Schaffhausen, leveraging his international appeal. His investment portfolio includes equity in the plant-based restaurant group Neat Burger and interests in emerging tech firms, helping him branch out financially.

His creative ventures, including the launch of his production company Dawn Apollo Films and collaborations in fashion, have also contributed to his growing empire and demonstrated his business acumen.

So far, the 2025 F1 season has been disappointing for both Hamilton and Ferrari. Despite occasional flashes of his iconic talent, the team’s recurring problems with car reliability have kept him from being a consistent podium threat, leaving him adrift in the race for the title.

Hamilton has managed only one finish inside the top five over the first six races and is currently seventh in the driver rankings with 41 points, trailing current leader Oscar Piastri by 90 points. He’s also behind team-mate Charles Leclerc, who holds a 12-point lead and sits two spots ahead, despite the fact Hamilton was hired to be Ferrari’s lead driver.

Adding to the pressure, Hamilton also finds himself behind former Mercedes colleague George Russell and rising star Kimi Antonelli, who stepped into his old seat at the Silver Arrows. Nevertheless, insiders at Ferrari are reportedly still confident that Hamilton’s experience and leadership will be key as the team aims to reclaim its status at the front of the pack.

Hamilton’s financial achievements are particularly striking in a year when the Sunday Times Rich List saw a significant drop in the number of billionaires – down from 165 to 156, the steepest decline in the list’s 37-year history. The cumulative wealth of the 350 listed individuals and families, including Hamilton, is £772.8billion, a three per cent dip compared to 2024.

With his financial momentum continuing to rise, reaching £400m is not just plausible – it appears inevitable. Hamilton’s ascent from humble beginnings in Stevenage to international icon is a remarkable example of how determination, skill, and smart investments can forge a legacy.

Though recent results on the track have been mixed, Hamilton continues to be a major presence in the F1 world – and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.