When it comes to Formula 1, speed isn’t the only thing that matters—money talks just as loud. While Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton continue to battle it out on the racetrack, there’s another race fans are curious about: who’s got the bigger bank account?
Spoiler alert: Lewis Hamilton is still on top. But let’s break it down and see how both F1 giants stack up when it comes to wealth, lifestyle, and off-track ventures.
The Numbers: Net Worth Breakdown
First things first: Let’s talk figures.
- Lewis Hamilton has an estimated net worth of $285 million.
- Max Verstappen isn’t too far behind, with a net worth of around $210 million.
That’s a $75 million gap between the two, which is no small number. But considering Hamilton’s longer career and massive brand partnerships, it makes sense.
How Lewis Hamilton Made His Millions
Lewis Hamilton isn’t just fast—he’s smart with his money too. Here’s how he built his empire:
- Racing contracts: Hamilton signed a mega deal with Mercedes worth over $70 million per year at its peak.
- Sponsorships: Brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Monster Energy, Police, and Puma have all partnered with Hamilton. These deals easily bring him tens of millions.
- Business ventures: Hamilton has invested in tech companies, launched his own fashion line with Tommy Hilfiger, and is even a part-owner of the Denver Broncos (yes, the NFL team).
- Music and activism: While these might not make him money directly, his visibility in music and social causes brings in brand value—and that eventually converts to cash.
All this, plus savvy financial decisions, has kept Lewis comfortably ahead of the pack.
Max Verstappen’s Money Moves
Max might be younger, but he’s definitely making the most of his prime years.
- Racing contract: His current deal with Red Bull reportedly pays him over $50 million a year, making him one of the highest-paid athletes globally.
- Bonuses: Max earns serious performance bonuses—winning championships adds millions to his base salary.
- Endorsements: Brands like Jumbo, Exact, and Red Bull themselves sponsor him. He’s starting to attract bigger names as his global recognition grows.
- Sim racing and esports: Verstappen is heavily involved in sim racing and has his own esports team, which could grow into a major business in the near future.
He might be behind Hamilton for now, but give it a few more years—Max is just getting started.
Lifestyle: Who Spends Bigger?
Hamilton is known for his glamorous lifestyle. Think private jets (though he sold one for sustainability), custom cars, luxury watches, and vacationing with celebs. He’s not shy about enjoying his wealth.
Verstappen, on the other hand, is more low-key—but don’t be fooled. He owns multiple properties, travels in private jets, and collects high-end cars. His Monaco apartment alone screams money.
Social Influence = More Cash
Here’s something important: influence equals income.
Lewis Hamilton has over 36 million Instagram followers, giving him a major platform to attract brands and promote his projects.
Max Verstappen has around 12 million followers—not bad at all, and that number is growing fast, especially with his recent championship wins. But Hamilton’s global influence still gives him an edge in earnings outside the F1 world.
Verdict: Hamilton Still Leads, But…
So, is Lewis Hamilton richer than Max Verstappen? Yes—at least for now.
Hamilton’s longer career, bigger endorsements, and diversified investments keep him ahead. But Verstappen is gaining fast, especially with massive yearly earnings and growing global popularity.
In a few years, this race could take a sharp turn.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About the Money
Both drivers are elite athletes with incredible careers. While it’s fun to compare their wealth, what really stands out is their dedication, discipline, and passion for the sport.
Whether you’re #TeamHamilton or #TeamVerstappen, one thing’s for sure—they’re both winning in life.
And who knows? By the time Verstappen hits his thirties, we might be writing a very different headline.
