Lewis Hamilton vs Michael Schumacher Net Worth Comparison: Which 7-Time F1 Champion is Richer?

In an article posted by GQ recently, the top 25 highest-paid athletes were ranked. The only Formula One driver to feature on that list was the legend himself, Michael Schumacher.

Although Schumacher’s numbers in F1 were once considered untouchable, let alone surpassable, Lewis Hamilton has equaled and overtaken many of the German’s records.

But how does Lewis Hamilton compare to Michael Schumacher when it comes to net worth?

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton’s story is truly an inspiring one. He came from a humble background and made his way up, all the way up to Formula One’s very top; almost.

Lewis Hamilton is the most marketable face in Formula 1 and has been so for many years.

When the current season ends, Hamilton will have earned $82 million; he will be paid $70 million in salary and bonuses. On top of that, the 36-year-old has endorsements worth around $12 million a year. He is sponsored by Tommy Hilfiger, Sony, Police, Puma and Monster Energy.

The Briton has an estimated net worth of $285 million. Throughout his career, Hamilton has earned an estimated $500 million.

Michael Schumacher

The greatest achievement of Michael Schumacher’s career isn’t his records, which the German himself admittedly didn’t pay much heed to. It’s the fact that his name is synonymous with Formula 1; he was Formula 1 for an entire generation.

And marketing executives were very aware of that. In his prime, Schumacher earned an estimated $80-100 million per year. He was the highest-paid athlete in the world in 1999.

The F1 legend has an estimated net worth of $600 million and despite suffering a coma-inducing head injury in 2013, he still reportedly earns $50 million a year. But what’s truly amazing is the amount of money he earned in his career – a mammoth $1.13 billion.

Hamilton vs. Schumacher – Verdict

Although Hamilton has come close and even surpassed Schumacher in many of his records, when it comes to earnings and net worth, the Mercedes driver may never get ahead of Michael Schumacher.

An active Hamilton’s net worth isn’t even half of a retired Schumacher’s, but if the current Mercedes driver ends up winning his eighth title, he may set himself up to surpass Schumacher’s legacy and bank balance.

Although that too could take many, many years.

Also Read: F1 Drivers Unite for an Important Cause Thanks to the Michael Schumacher Foundation in Mexico