Top 20 Richest Race Car Drivers In The World (2024 Update)
The racing world offers an exhilarating arena where lovers of speed, precision, and a relentless drive for victory converge.
Within this high-octane realm, a select group of drivers has reigned supreme on the track and amassed fortunes that echo their successes throughout their careers.
These are the icons of the racing world, the 20 wealthiest race car drivers globally, whose financial achievements mirror their triumphs on circuits around the globe.
From legendary figures etched in history to contemporary heroes leaving their marks, we will explore these racing luminaries’ lives, accomplishments, and wealth based on their net worth.
Wealthiest Drivers In The World:
1. Michael Schumacher: $800 Million
At the peak of the racing pantheon stands the incomparable Michael Schumacher, a retired German racing driver whose impact on the sport remains unparalleled.
Born on January 3, 1969, Schumacher’s career saw him don the colors of iconic teams such as the Jordan Grand Prix, Benetton Formula, and Scuderia Ferrari.
Having held multiple World Championship titles, Schumacher’s legacy reflects his net worth of $800 million.
2. Eddie Jordan: $475 Million
Hailing from Ireland, Eddie Jordan’s mark on the motorsports world is indelible.
Born on March 30, 1948, Jordan’s journey led to the founding of Jordan Grand Prix, a team that etched its name in Formula One history.
His legacy extends beyond the racetrack as he is an entrepreneur and in the television industry.
With a net worth of $475 million, Jordan’s impact resonates through time.
3. Don Schumacher: $300 Million
Don Schumacher is an American racing luminary whose story began on December 25, 1944.
His initial inception in racing eventually gave way to his pivotal role as a team owner.
Schumacher’s net worth of $300 million mirrors his accomplishments beyond racing, as he is an entrepreneur and a visionary in the motorsport world.
4. Lewis Hamilton: $285 Million
The British racing sensation, Lewis Hamilton, born on January 7, 1985, has transcended the sport with unparalleled talent.
Racing under the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team banner, Hamilton’s name resonates with excellence.
He has had multiple World Championship titles, and a net worth of $285 million underscores his extraordinary journey.
5. Fernando Alonso: $240 Million
Born on July 29, 1981, The Spanish racing driver Fernando Alonso has carved a legacy of greatness for himself.
His stints with teams like Renault, McLaren, and Scuderia Ferrari propelled him to attain two Formula One World Championships.
His net worth of $240 million reflects his accomplishments on the track and his impact in motorsports.
6. Max Emilian Verstappen: $210 Million
Born on September 30, 1997, the Dutch and Belgian racing driver has left an indelible mark on Formula One.
After winning his first title at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Verstappen became the first Dutch driver to win the Formula 1 World Championship and the 34th Formula One World Drivers’ Champion.
His captivating journey continues to unfold with a string of victories, pole positions, and his enduring commitment to Red Bull Racing, ensuring his presence as a dominant force on the Formula One grid for years to come.
His career has helped him accumulate a net worth of $210 Million.
7. Jeff Gordon: $200 Million
He is an American racing icon born on August 4, 1971.
Jeff Gordon’s association with Hendrick Motorsports and his triumphs in NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) paint a picture of his unparalleled success.
His net worth of $200 million speaks volumes about his indomitable spirit and the legacy he has etched in stock car racing history.
8. Kimi Raikkonen: $150 Million
Kimi Raikkonen emanates from Finland, a racing maestro born on October 17, 1979, and is synonymous with speed and precision.
Racing for Sauber, McLaren, Lotus, Alfa Romeo Racing, and Scuderia Ferrari, Raikkonen has clinched 21 Grand Prix wins.
His net worth of $150 million showcases his prowess on the track and his enduring influence on Formula One.
9. Jenson Button: $150 Million
British racing star Jenson Button was born on January 19, 1980, and has left an indelible mark on the sport.
His triumph in the 2009 Formula One World Championship with Brawn GP remains a highlight of his racing career.
His net worth of $150 million is a testament to his dedication and triumphs.
10. Eddie Irvine: $120 Million
The icon was born on November 10, 1965, in Northern Iris. Racer Eddie Irvine’s racing journey began with Formula Ford Championship.
His Formula One career saw him race for iconic teams like Ferrari and Jaguar Racing.
His net worth of $120 million reflects his contributions to the sport.
11. Jimmie Johnson: $120 Million
American stock car racing champion Jimmie Johnson was born on September 17, 1975, and boasts seven championships in the NASCAR ( National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) Cup Series.
His association with teams such as Hendrick Motorsports solidified his heritage.
Considering his net worth of $120 million, this is a testament to his dominance on the track.
12. Mario Andretti: $120 Million
Italian-American racing legend Mario Andretti is a true motorsport icon.
He was born on February 28, 1940, and his achievements span Formula One, IndyCar, and NASCAR.
His net worth of $120 million underscores his versatility and exceptional talent in the racing championships.
13. Alexis DeJoria: $100 Million
Alexis DeJoria is an American drag racing champion born September 24, 1977. She has made a mark for herself in the National Hot Rod Association.
Her association with Kalitta Motorsports reflects her commitment to the sport.
Her net worth of $100 million mirrors her unmatched influence as a female racer in the motorsport world.
14. Jody Scheckter: $100 Million
He is a South African racing pioneer born on January 29, 1950.
He first clinched the Drivers’ Championship in 1979 with Ferrari.
His legacy in Formula One has been incomparable ever since.
He has accumulated a net worth of $100 million and pays homage to his contributions to the sport.
15. Martin Brundle: $100 Million
This British racing driver, Martin Brundle’s versatility shone through his Formula One career and commentary work. He celebrates his birthday on June 1, 1959.
Racing for Tyrrell Racing, Zakspeed, Williams, Brabham, Benetton, Ligier, and McLaren, his World Sports-car Championship win showcases his talent.
His career earned him a net worth of $100 million, reflecting his lasting impact.
16. Sebastian Vettel: $100 Million
German racing prodigy Sebastian Vettel was born on July 3, 1987, and boasts four Formula One World Championships.
Racing for BMW Sauber, Scuderia Toro Rosso, Red Bull Racing, and Scuderia Ferrari, his reputation as a racing genius over the years reflects his net worth of $100 million.
17. Nigel Mansell: $90 Million
Born on August 8, 1953, British racing car driver Nigel Mansell’s career saw him conquer Formula One and the CART Indy Car World Series in the early days of his career.
Racing for Lotus, Williams, and Newman/Haas Racing, he has accumulated a net worth of $90 million which reflects his enduring heritage.
18. Sergio Perez: $87 Milion
Born on January 26, 1990, Sergio Perez is a Mexican racing driver who has come a long way since his days watching on as a junior member of the Ferrari Driver Academy.
He joined McLaren in 2013; Perez went on to drive for Force India throughout the 2014 season for a fee of $1 million.
Perez is a driver for Red Bull Racing for the second year alongside double-world champion Max Verstappen.
19. Bobby Rahal: $80 Million
The American-born racing luminary Bobby Rahal, born on January 10, 1953, is a testament to the synergy of driving and team ownership.
Racing for Wolf, Team Rahal, and Kraco Racing won three championships and 24 races in the CART open-wheel series, including the famous 1986 Indianapolis 500.
His $80 million net worth reflects his significant influence in the sport.
20. David Coulthard: $80 Million
British Formula driver David Coulthard was born into existence on March 27, 1971, and his legacy is not limited to the track, but he has also ventured into the media realm.
Racing for Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull Racing, his remarkable journey has accorded him a net worth of $80 million.
In a realm where danger is an integral companion and speed a constant ally, race-car drivers command salaries that place them among the highest-paid athletes globally.
As they confront peril head-on each time they settle into the cockpit, their courage pays with immense rewards.
With a calendar packed with more than 20 races annually, seasoned drivers have etched their names into the track’s history and finances.
Many have accumulated staggering net worth figures and demonstrated shrewd financial acumen by venturing beyond the racing circuit, thus showcasing a multi-faceted prowess that propels them into the realm of sports, business, and investment.