Nigel Mansell, the British racing car driver, boasts a net worth of $90 million. With victories in both Formula One and CART Indy Car World Series, he earned a place among the most successful British Formula One drivers. Mansell’s career spanned 15 seasons, with 31 Formula One race wins.
He displayed resilience, overcoming a broken neck to return to racing. A dominant force with Williams and Ferrari, he won the 1992 Formula One World Championship and the 1993 IndyCar championship.
Beyond racing, Nigel pursued successful business ventures, including a Ferrari dealership and a golf and country club. His philanthropic contributions, as President of UK Youth, further solidify his legacy as an influential figure on and off the track.
Here’s the breakdown of his net worth:
| Name: | Nigel Mansell |
| Net Worth: | $90 Million |
| Monthly Salary: | $150 Thousand |
| Annual Income: | $10 Million |
| Source of Wealth: | Race car driver |
Learn more: Richest Race Car Drivers in the World
Table of Contents
Early Life and Career
Born on 8th August 1953 in Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire, Nigel Ernest James Mansell’s journey to racing stardom began with humble roots. His parents, Eric and Joyce Mansell, ran a tea shop, and Nigel grew up in Hall Green, Birmingham. Despite facing initial challenges, young Nigel’s passion for racing was undeniable.
Mansell’s racing career had a slow start, with him funding his way up the ranks. After achieving considerable success in kart racing, he moved to the Formula Ford series, even though his father disapproved. In 1976, Nigel displayed his potential by winning six out of nine races, including his debut event at Mallory Park.
The following year, he secured 33 victories out of 42 races, becoming the 1977 British Formula Ford champion. A severe accident during a qualifying session at Brands Hatch left him with a broken neck, and doctors warned that he might never race again. Against all odds, Nigel defied medical advice, discharged himself from the hospital, and returned to racing, displaying an unwavering determination that would define his career.
His skill and tenacity didn’t go unnoticed, catching the eye of Colin Chapman, owner of Lotus. Despite hiding the extent of his injuries with painkillers, Mansell’s performance during a tryout at the Paul Ricard circuit earned him a spot as a test driver for the Lotus Formula One team.
The Rise to Prominence
Nigel Mansell’s career continued to flourish as he joined the Williams team in 1985. The season saw a transformative turn in his fortunes when he won his first Formula One race at the 1985 European Grand Prix at Brands Hatch, an emotional moment that brought tears to his eyes on the podium. Over the next 18 months, he became a prolific winner, clinching 11 victories but narrowly missing out on two World Championships.
Mansell thrived on adversarial situations, using them to fuel his motivation. His aggressive racing style and ‘me against the world’ mentality drew both admiration and criticism. His relationship with the Williams team was a rollercoaster, with clashes and disagreements, but his fans loved him for the fire he brought to the track.
In 1989, Nigel joined Ferrari, capturing the hearts of the passionate Italian tifosi. His driving skills and never-give-up attitude endeared him to the fans, and he secured several memorable victories, including a stunning win at the Hungaroring. However, political maneuvering within the team led to tensions, and Mansell announced his retirement at the end of the 1990 season, only to make a dramatic return to Williams the following year.
Triumph and Retirement
Nigel Mansell’s determination paid off in 1992 when he dominated the season, securing nine victories and winning the Formula One World Championship. Yet, despite reaching the pinnacle of success, internal disputes with Williams led him to announce retirement once again.
However, Mansell’s passion for racing and his desire for new challenges drove him to IndyCar racing in America. In 1993, he continued his remarkable form, winning the IndyCar championship in his debut season. This achievement showcased his versatility and adaptability as a driver.
A year later, Williams convinced Nigel to return for the final four races of the 1994 season. His farewell race in Australia ended in spectacular fashion as he secured victory from pole position.
Other Endeavors
Retiring from Formula One, Nigel Mansell ventured into several successful business enterprises, showcasing his astute entrepreneurial skills. He operated a Ferrari dealership and a golf and country club, reflecting his passion for golf, a sport in which he played to a professional standard.
Mansell’s legacy extends beyond racing and business. He is the current President of UK Youth, one of the UK’s largest youth charities, and also serves as President of the Institute of Advanced Motorists. His philanthropic endeavors demonstrate his commitment to giving back to society.
Personal Life
In his personal life, Nigel shares his happiness with his wife, Rosanne, and their three children, two of whom have followed in their father’s footsteps as racing drivers. Despite the accolades and wealth, Mansell remains down-to-earth, cherishing his time with his German Shepherd, Geisha, and embracing the joy of life in the serene Channel Islands.
Nigel Mansell Quotes
I consider myself one of a very small handful of drivers in the world that are top drivers. The best one? I don’t think anybody can say they’re the best one because, from one week to the next, you can be on form or off form a little bit.
The format of the race weekend is also very well thought out. We have enough practice time to get the cars well set-up and have a proper qualifying session where we can do as many laps as we like, which is great for the drivers and spectators.
I was a driver and a racer. The difference between drivers, who can be great World Champions, and racers, who are also World Champions, is that racers don’t wait for things to happen: they make things happen.
Racing a thoroughbred grand prix car in front of a home crowd will be a surreal and mighty experience.