**Lewis Hamilton: Soaring Wealth, Personal Milestones, and High-Profile Relationships Define F1 Icon in 2025**
Sir Lewis Hamilton remains one of the brightest stars not just on the Grand Prix circuit, but in the landscape of British sports and celebrity culture. According to the newly-released 2025 Sunday Times Rich List, the seven-time Formula One world champion is officially the UK’s wealthiest active sportsperson, with a net worth that has now soared to an eye-watering £385 million. That staggering sum places Hamilton at number 324 amongst the wealthiest individuals in Britain, a notable rise from his position a year prior when he was listed as the 350th richest with £350 million to his name.
Hamilton’s financial fortune has received a significant boost following his dramatic switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, a move that sent shockwaves through the world of Formula One. Despite having renewed his contract with Mercedes for two seasons in the summer of 2024, Hamilton activated a break clause, paving the way for a lucrative deal with Ferrari that will see him earn a base salary of £50 million per season over at least two years, with the option to extend into 2027. This salary marks a record for the highest ever in Formula One, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Max Verstappen.
Notably, the figures quoted for Hamilton’s Ferrari contract are exclusive of performance-related bonuses, meaning his earnings could climb considerably higher should his on-track results improve. Thus far this season, however, the British driver is still seeking his first podium finish with his new team, his best result so far being a fifth place at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Despite a somewhat challenging start to life in red, Hamilton’s dominance in the sport remains unquestioned, with his last world championship win dated to 2020, which brought him level with Michael Schumacher’s legendary tally of seven titles.
Away from the world of racing, Hamilton has frequently been the subject of headlines for reasons beyond motorsport. In an emotional gesture paying tribute to his mother, Carmen Larbalestier, the driver revealed plans to formally include her maiden name in his own. Hamilton has expressed his confusion over the tradition that sees women’s names disappear after marriage, and has been vocal about his desire to ensure the Larbalestier name continues. Although the process of this legal name change was announced publicly as underway, it remains unclear as of 2025 whether this change has been finalised.
The F1 champion’s personal life has also kept him in the glare of the media, particularly his relationships with high-profile figures from the worlds of music, fashion, and entertainment. Hamilton first captured widespread tabloid attention during his lengthy, on-and-off relationship with pop singer Nicole Scherzinger, a romance which spanned nearly eight years before ending in 2015. Both parties reportedly found the split difficult, and Scherzinger has since continued her association with the sporting world through subsequent relationships.
Hamilton, meanwhile, has been linked with numerous celebrities over recent years, although he has often quashed speculation regarding some of these rumoured romances. Supermodels such as Gigi Hadid and singers including Rihanna have been among those reportedly connected to Hamilton, though invariably he has described them as friends. Nevertheless, the British racing icon’s social circle has ensured he is never far from the entertainment headlines, most recently when he was seen in New York dining with actor Sofía Vergara—though sources close to the pair quickly dismissed any suggestions of a romantic relationship.
Diversifying his pursuits, Hamilton’s influence has reached beyond the racetrack and into the world of film and media. He is set to appear alongside major Hollywood names in “F1: The Movie,” slated for release later this year. Starring Brad Pitt as a retired driver returning to the sport, the film strives for authenticity, with Hamilton not only making an appearance as himself but also serving as a producer. Director Joseph Kosinski praised Hamilton’s significant input, particularly in familiarising Pitt and his co-stars with the technical and physical demands of racing, highlighting the driver’s commitment to ensuring the project’s authenticity and success.
Hamilton’s willingness to continually expand his horizons may set him apart from his peers, whether by influencing big screen depictions of his sport or advocating for family recognition through his name. What remains clear is that Lewis Hamilton, at 40 years old, is still a dominant force—both as a sportsman and a cultural figure. With his record earnings, impactful off-track actions, and enduring star power, he continues to captivate fans, the media and his own sport in equal measure.
As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will remain not just on Ferrari’s new signing in pursuit of further racing glory, but also on Hamilton’s evolving legacy as one of Britain’s most influential and recognisable sports personalities.