Lewis Hamilton is known as one of the winningest Formula One drivers in history. He’s also one of the richest – and his success has given him prime selection when it comes to who he races for. The seven-time F1 champion recently switched to Ferrari after more than a decade with Mercedes.
“You can’t stand still for too long,” he told Time in a February 2025 exclusive interview. “I needed to throw myself into something uncomfortable again. Honestly, I thought all my firsts were done. Your first car, your first crash, your first date, first day of school. The excitement I got by the idea of, ‘This is my first time in the red suit, the first time in the Ferrari.’ Wow. Honestly, I’ve never been so excited.”
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Hamilton, who is one of the co-chairs of the 2025 Met Gala and now in his 40s, is in the search for his eighth championship, which would set the record for most F1 titles ever. “The old man is a state of mind,” he said. “Of course your body ages. But I’m never going to be an old man.”
Here’s a look at how Hamilton’s career got its legs, his net worth in 2025 and how much his current contract with Ferrari is paying him.
How did Lewis Hamilton get his start?
Hamilton was essentially a child prodigy in racing. He started racing go-karts at age 8; claiming titles by age 10; and by age 13, he was signed to a driver’s deal with McLaren.
In 2006, Hamilton won the championship in what’s now referred to as Formula Two. In 2008, he made history as the youngest-ever F1 driver to win the World Driver’s Championship, at the tender age of 23.
What is Lewis Hamilton’s net worth in 2025?
Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton has an estimated net worth of $300 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He built his fortune by collecting a total of seven championship titles, which has enabled him to sign massive contracts and endorsement deals over the course of his career.
Related: Check Out the Fabulous and Fun 2025 Met Gala Red Carpet Fashions
How much does Lewis Hamilton make with Ferrari?
Hamilton’s base salary with Ferrari is $60 million per year. This places him toward the top of F1 driver salaries, but just below his storied rival, Max Verstappen – who makes $65 million per year with the Red Bull team.
However, as noted by Sporting News, Hamilton definitely earns more than just his base salary. Although F1 drivers don’t receive prize money when they win races, their contracts typically entitle them to performance-based bonuses. When all is said and done, Hamilton is expected to make about $100 million per year (in salary plus bonuses).
How much does Lewis Hamilton make a year?
Right now, Hamilton earns $60 million a year in base salary with Ferrari, but reportedly could earn up to $100 million with bonuses included.
Here’s a breakdown of his earnings in years past, according to data from Celebrity Net Worth, Spotrac and Forbes:
- 2024 (Mercedes): $45 million base
- 2023 (Mercedes): $35 million base ($55 million total)
- 2022 (Mercedes): $40 million
- 2021 (Mercedes): $62 million
- 2020 (Mercedes): $76 million
- 2019 (Mercedes): $57 million
- 2018 (Mercedes): $42 million
- 2017 (Mercedes): $31 million
- 2016 (Mercedes): $31 million
- 2015 (Mercedes): $28 million
- 2013 (Mercedes): $27.5 million
- 2012 (McLaren): $20.5 million
- 2011 (McLaren): $13.9 million
- 2010 (McLaren): $21.3 million
- 2009 (McLaren): $18 million
- 2008 (McLaren): $5 million
- 2007 (McLaren): $4 million
Note: The distinction between base salary and total with bonuses isn’t always clear.
Related: Sofía Vergara, 52, Spotted With F1 Driver Lewis Hamilton, 40, on Lunch Date in New Photos
How much does Lewis Hamilton make in endorsements?
While we don’t know exactly what Hamilton earns from his endorsement deals, it’s sure to be in the millions. His high-profile sponsors over the years have included Lululemon, Sony, Tommy Hilfiger, Puma and IWC.
What cars are in Lewis Hamilton’s collection?
Aside from his slick new F1 Ferrari burning rubber on the track, Hamilton has his own collection of cars worth millions.
“I don’t know anything about wine. I don’t know a huge amount about art. But what I do know is cars and I’m very particular about them,” Hamilton told GQin 2020.
His collection includes:
- 1995 McLaren F1 (worth an estimated $20 million)
- Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta (worth an estimated $4.1 million)
- Ferrari LaFerrari (worth an estimated $4 million)
- Mercedes-AMG One (worth an estimated $2.7 million)
- McLaren P1 (worth an estimated $1.8 million)
- 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (worth an estimated $1.4 million)
- Mercedes-AMG SLS Black (worth an estimated $270,000)
- Mercedes-AMG EQS (worth an estimated ($114,000)
- AC 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 (worth an estimated $100,000)
- Mercedes-Benz EQC (worth an estimated $54,000)
