Sebastian Vettel, the German Formula One racing driver, has amassed a substantial net worth of $140 million. Throughout his illustrious career, Vettel has driven for esteemed teams such as BMW Sauber, Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari, and currently Aston Martin. He holds the record for being the youngest-ever World Champion, having won four consecutive World Drivers’ Championship titles from 2010 to 2013.
Despite facing challenges and criticism, Vettel’s determination and skill have allowed him to revive his career with Aston Martin. His remarkable success on the track, coupled with endorsements, has contributed to his impressive net worth, solidifying his position as one of the wealthiest athletes in motorsport.
Here’s the breakdown of his net worth:
| Name: | Sebastian Vettel |
| Net Worth: | $140 Million |
| Monthly Income: | $100 Thousand |
| Annual Salary: | $20 Million |
| Source of Wealth: | Race car driver |
Learn more: Richest Race Car Drivers in the World
Table of Contents
Early Life and Ascent
Sebastian Vettel was born on July 3rd, 1987, in Heppenheim, West Germany. Despite facing academic challenges, Vettel managed to maintain respectable grades while nurturing his passion for music. Initially aspiring to become a singer, he redirected his focus towards racing upon realizing his vocal limitations. A true linguist, Vettel is fluent in English, French, Finnish, Italian, and his native German.
Vettel’s racing journey began at the tender age of three when he first took to the karting track. By eight, he was competing in kart races, demonstrating remarkable talent. At eleven, he earned a spot in Red Bull’s Junior Team, solidifying his potential in the sport.
Over the next few years, Vettel won numerous championships and was granted opportunities to test various cars. In the early 2000s, he honed his skills in the Formula 3 Euro Series and the Formula BMW ADAC. By 2006, he had become a test driver for BMW Sauber, showcasing his rapid ascent in the racing world.
Rise to Success
Vettel’s Formula One debut occurred in 2006 when he became BMW’s third driver at the Turkish Grand Prix. To everyone’s astonishment, the 19-year-old prodigy set the fastest lap time during practice, solidifying his position as the youngest-ever F1 participant.
The following year, he secured the role of BMW’s official test driver, affirming his potential to excel at the highest level of motorsport. In 2007, Vettel’s journey took a new turn as he joined Scuderia Toro Rosso, where he achieved notable success with impressive performances in races such as the Chinese Grand Prix, the Monaco Grand Prix, and the European Grand Prix.
The pinnacle of Vettel’s career arrived in 2008 when he secured his first Formula One victory at the Italian Grand Prix. By accomplishing this feat, he became the youngest driver ever to win a Grand Prix. Subsequently, Vettel’s talents earned him a promotion to Red Bull Racing in 2009, marking the start of his incredible winning streak.
Over the next four seasons, he dominated the sport, clinching four consecutive World Drivers’ Championship titles from 2010 to 2013. These triumphs solidified his status as one of the most exceptional drivers in Formula One history.
Challenges and Resurgence
Despite his remarkable success, Vettel faced challenges and criticism throughout his career. In 2013, he disregarded team orders to win the Malaysian Grand Prix, leading to a public backlash and a dent in his confidence. As Red Bull shifted its focus to another rising talent, Daniel Ricciardo, Vettel’s performance suffered, resulting in a winless season in 2014.
Seeking new opportunities, he joined the Ferrari team, hoping to revive his career. Although the team initially struggled, Vettel quickly showcased his prowess, securing Ferrari’s first victory in almost two years at the Malaysian Grand Prix.
While Vettel battled fiercely with Lewis Hamilton for the championship in 2017 and 2018, he fell short of claiming his fifth title. Consistency eluded him, as did the ability to minimize mistakes, leading to criticism from fans and pundits alike. As Ferrari declined to renew his contract, Vettel experienced a dip in form, culminating in his lowest point in 2020, with only 33 points accumulated for the season.
Fortunately, Vettel found redemption with Aston Martin, where he signed for the 2021 season. Despite initial challenges, he regained his confidence and delivered strong performances. Notably, he secured a second-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and became the season’s leader in overtakes, further solidifying his status as a determined and skilled driver.
Earnings
Vettel’s success on the track has translated into substantial earnings. In 2016, his estimated annual income reached $41 million, including salary and endorsements.
From June 2017 to June 2019, he consistently earned $40 million per year. His earnings slightly decreased in the subsequent year, totaling $36 million. Such substantial wealth has contributed to his impressive net worth of $140 million.
Personal Life
Outside of the racing circuit, Sebastian Vettel leads a private life. In 2019, he married his childhood friend Hanna, and together they have three children.
Unlike many modern athletes, Vettel maintains no social media presence, reinforcing his desire for privacy and focus on his career.
Sebastian Vettel Quotes
I don’t care too much what happened in the past. I prefer to focus on what is coming next and I am really looking forward to it.
You’re traveling all over the world but to be home is something special.
At the end of your life, it’s friendships, emotions and thoughts that you take with you, rather than what’s in your bank account. So, even though people don’t have a lot here, they are a lot richer in many ways and we can learn from that.
All these nice people saying I’m going to be world champion won’t make me any faster, you have to believe it yourself.
If the boat started shaking, we stayed on course and didn’t lose focus. That made the difference.