Fast cars, roaring engines, and the thrill of victory—it’s no wonder race car driving captivates the hearts of millions. Behind the wheel, these daring individuals showcase their skill, bravery, and determination, pushing the limits of what is possible on the track.
Beyond their incredible talent, these racing icons have also amassed fortunes that rival the speed of their cars.
Join me as we delve into the lives and fortunes of the 20 richest race car drivers in the world. Buckle up for a thrilling ride!
Table of Contents
20 Richest Race Car Drivers in the World
20. David Coulthard – Net Worth: $80 Million
First up is David Coulthard, the British racing driver who left an indelible mark on Formula One history.
Known for his impressive runner-up finish for McLaren in the 2001 championship, Coulthard’s prowess on the track is matched only by his business acumen.
With a net worth of $80 million, Coulthard ranks as the 20th richest racing driver globally.
19. Bobby Rahal – Net Worth: $80 Million
Let’s turn our attention to the American auto racing driver who broke barriers and set new standards—Bobby Rahal.
Known for being the first American driver to become a team owner, Rahal’s career boasts three championships and an impressive 24 victories in the CART open-wheel series.
Rahal’s net worth of $80 million secures him the 19th spot on our list.
18. Nigel Mansell – Net Worth: $90 Million
Ah, Nigel Mansell—a name that reverberates through the annals of racing history.
This British racing car driver not only conquered the Formula One World Championship but also the CART Indy Car World Series.
A true legend of the sport, Mansell’s net worth of $90 million positions him as the 18th richest racing driver in the world.
17. Sebastian Vettel – Net Worth: $100 Million
Now, let’s meet Sebastian Vettel, the German racing prodigy who has left his mark on the Formula One circuit.
With four Formula One World Championships to his name, Vettel is hailed as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport.
Off the track, his net worth of $100 million adds another accolade to his already impressive career.
16. Niki Lauda – Net Worth: $100 Million
Austrian racing legend Niki Lauda personifies resilience, determination, and pure talent. With three Formula One World Driver’s Championships under his belt, Lauda’s name is etched in the racing hall of fame.
After retiring, he continued to contribute to the sport as a TV pundit and non-executive chairman.
With a net worth of approximately $100 million, Lauda ranks as the 16th richest racing driver in the world.
15. Martin Brundle – Net Worth: $100 Million
Let’s shift gears and explore the captivating career of Martin Brundle, a British racing driver who thrilled fans with his performances on and off the track.
Brundle’s claim to fame includes securing the 1988 World Sports-car Championship and captivating audiences as a commentator for ITV Sport.
With an estimated net worth of $100 million, Brundle holds the 15th spot on our illustrious list.
14. Jody Scheckter – Net Worth: $100 Million
Hailing from South Africa, Jody Scheckter roared through the Formula One circuits, leaving a trail of victory in his wake.
In 1979, he achieved the ultimate dream by winning the Drivers’ Championship with Ferrari.
Scheckter’s net worth of approximately $100 million makes him the 14th richest racing driver on our prestigious list.
13. Alexis DeJoria – Net Worth: $100 Million
Next, let’s meet a racing icon who proved that gender knows no boundaries in the world of motorsports—Alexis DeJoria.
This retired American drag racer left her mark in the National Hot Rod Association, competing fearlessly in the Top Fuel Funny Car category.
DeJoria’s net worth of $100 million solidifies her as the 13th richest racing driver in the world.
12. Mario Andretti – Net Worth: $120 Million
The roar of the engines, the smell of burning rubber—few drivers encapsulate the spirit of racing quite like Mario Andretti.
Born in Italy and raised in the United States, Andretti’s career achievements spanned multiple motorsport disciplines. From Formula One to IndyCar, NASCAR, and World Sportscar Championship, he conquered them all.
With a net worth of approximately $120 million, Andretti takes the 12th spot on our list.
11. Jimmie Johnson – Net Worth: $120 Million
In the world of stock car racing, few names shine as brightly as Jimmie Johnson.
A seven-time champion in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Johnson’s dominance on the track is unmatched.
With a net worth of $120 million, Johnson secures the 11th spot on our list of racing tycoons.
10. Eddie Irvine – Net Worth: $120 Million
From the rolling hills of Northern Ireland emerged a racing prodigy known as Eddie Irvine.
Competing in Formula One between 1993 and 2002, Irvine’s passion for speed and precision took him to new heights.
Starting his career in the Formula Ford Championship, Irvine’s net worth of $120 million solidifies his place as the 10th richest racing driver in the world.
9. Valentino Rossi – Net Worth: $140 Million
Let’s shift gears once more and dive into the world of motorcycle road racing—a world dominated by the Italian maestro Valentino Rossi.
With multiple MotoGP World Championships under his belt, Rossi’s talent and charisma have won the hearts of fans worldwide.
As the only rider to have won World Championships in four different classes, Rossi boasts a net worth of $140 million, earning him the 9th spot on our illustrious list.
8. Jenson Button – Net Worth: $150 Million
The British racing driver Jenson Button, with his suave style and remarkable skill, proved to be a force to be reckoned with on the Formula One circuit.
Button clinched the 2009 Formula One World Championship, etching his name in racing history.
Currently competing in the Japanese SuperGT Series, Button’s net worth of approximately $150 million places him as the 8th richest racing driver globally.
7. Kimi Raikkonen – Net Worth: $150 Million
Finnish racing sensation Kimi Raikkonen, known for his icy demeanor and lightning-fast reflexes, has taken the Formula One world by storm.
With 21 Grand Prix victories to his name, Raikkonen stands as the Finnish Formula One driver with the most race wins.
His net worth of $150 million showcases the incredible success he has achieved throughout his career.
6. Jeff Gordon – Net Worth: $200 Million
Few drivers have dominated the American stock car racing scene quite like Jeff Gordon.
With the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, Gordon left an indelible mark on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
With a net worth of $200 million, Gordon secures the 6th spot on our list of racing tycoons.
5. Fernando Alonso – Net Worth: $240 Million
Hailing from Spain, Fernando Alonso has etched his name in the pantheon of Formula One greats.
With two World Championships and a reputation as one of the sport’s greatest drivers, Alonso’s net worth of approximately $240 million places him as the 5th richest racing driver in the world.
4. Lewis Hamilton – Net Worth: $285 Million
Buckle up, because we’re about to enter the world of British racing sensation Lewis Hamilton.
A record-breaker and history-maker, Hamilton has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with his unparalleled success in Formula One.
With seven World Championship titles, Hamilton’s net worth of $285 million solidifies his position as the 4th richest racing driver on our prestigious list.
3. Don Schumacher – Net Worth: $300 Million
Now let’s shift gears once more and meet Don Schumacher, the American racing team owner who made waves in the drag racing world.
With a net worth of $300 million, Schumacher holds the 3rd spot on our list.
His transition from a successful racing career to running his father’s business showcases the multifaceted nature of his talents.
2. Eddie Jordan – Net Worth: $475 Million
Revving our engines and pushing forward, we encounter Eddie Jordan, the Irish motorsport team boss, television personality, and businessman.
Jordan’s impact on the racing industry is undeniable, with the founding of Jordan Grand Prix forever etching his name in the sport’s history.
With a net worth of $475 million, Jordan secures the 2nd position on our list of racing royalty.
1. Michael Schumacher – Net Worth: $800 Million
Finally, we arrive at the pinnacle of racing wealth, where the name Michael Schumacher reigns supreme.
The German racing legend, synonymous with Formula One greatness, has left an indelible mark on the sport.
With a staggering net worth of $800 million, Schumacher stands as the richest racing driver in the world, a testament to his unparalleled success.
Conclusion
As we reach the finish line of this exhilarating journey, we have witnessed the triumphs and fortunes amassed by the world’s wealthiest race car drivers. These legends have not only mastered the art of speed but have also built lucrative legacies that span far beyond the racetrack.
From Formula One to stock car racing and beyond, their stories inspire us to chase our dreams with unwavering determination and passion.
So, as the engines roar and the crowd cheers, let us celebrate these racing tycoons for their exceptional talent and the fortunes they have earned along the way.
Summary
Below is a quick summary of the 20 wealthiest racing drivers globally:
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