Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton tops the Formula 1 drivers in Sportico's list of the top 100 highest-earning athletes of 2025, with Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri also making the list. Cristiano Ronaldo leads the overall ranking.
LONDON: Ferrari's driver, Lewis Hamilton , has been listed among the top 100 highest-earning athletes of 2025 by Sportico , alongside three other Formula One (F1) drivers. The seven-time world champion secured the 11th position and is the highest-ranked F1 driver, despite facing performance challenges during his first season with Ferrari.
According to Sportico, Hamilton's total earnings for 2025 reached $100 million (RM405 million), comprised of $70 million (RM284 million) from salary and race winnings, and an additional $30 million (RM121 million) from sponsorships. Red Bull's four-time world champion, Max Verstappen, ranked 15th with total earnings of $83 million (RM336 million), with $75 million (RM304 million) coming from salary and winnings, and the remaining $8 million (RM32 million) from sponsorships. F1 world champion Lando Norris occupied the 32nd position after the British driver reportedly earned $54 million (RM219 million) from salary and winnings, and $5 million (RM20 million) from sponsorships. Norris's McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, was placed 96th on the list with total earnings of $38 million (RM154 million), following a season where he finished third overall. Sportico stated that the list is based on estimated earnings throughout 2025, with salaries and prize money including all bonuses paid during that period, encompassing contract signing fees, incentives, play-off appearances, and All-Star match payments. Sponsorship earnings include revenue from sponsorships, licensing, royalties, memorabilia, appearances, golf course design, media, and book deals. Football player Cristiano Ronaldo topped the list for 2025, with reported salary and winnings of $200 million (RM811 million) and $60 million (RM243 million) from sponsorships. The rankings highlight the financial disparity within professional sports and the significant earnings potential of top-tier athletes, particularly those in high-profile sports like Formula 1 and football. The inclusion of various income streams, from direct earnings to lucrative sponsorship deals, paints a comprehensive picture of the financial landscape within the world of professional athleticism. The ability of athletes to leverage their success and brand recognition into substantial endorsement opportunities is a key factor in determining their overall financial standing. This trend underscores the evolving nature of sports as a business, where athletes are not only performers but also influential brands capable of attracting significant financial backing. The presence of Formula 1 drivers among the highest earners showcases the growing global appeal and commercial viability of the sport. Their ability to command substantial salaries, backed by substantial sponsorship deals, reflects the massive investments made by teams, brands, and the sport itself. The data released by Sportico offers a glimpse into the financial realities and the ever-growing commercialization of high-profile athletic endeavours. These figures represent more than just financial success; they also reflect the global reach, popularity, and the enormous economic influence wielded by top athletes. Furthermore, the information provides valuable insights for the sports industry, investors, sponsors, and fans alike. It allows them to assess trends, identify market opportunities, and understand the intricate interplay between athletic performance, brand value, and financial rewards. The overall financial figures are not merely reflections of athletic achievement but also the broader economic landscape of modern professional sports. They highlight the intricate relationship between on-field success and the ability to attract lucrative commercial ventures, solidifying the roles of athletes as powerful figures in the global economy and media. The significant gap between the earnings of top-tier athletes and those in other, less financially lucrative, sports underscores the importance of factors such as global popularity, media exposure, and the commercial appeal of a sport
Formula 1 Lewis Hamilton Sportico Highest-Earning Athletes Max Verstappen Lando Norris Oscar Piastri Cristiano Ronaldo Sports Finance F1 Earnings
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