Hamilton takes Pole Position on Rich List 2009
10th December 2008
Motorsport has a new megastar in the shape of Lewis Hamilton. He is now Britain's highest paid sportsperson ahead of the footballer David Beckham who plays for the Los-Angeles Galaxy football franchise. Right now, Beckham is reportedly earning about 16 million pounds a year through endorsements and playing for US football team LA Galaxy.
Lewis is earning £75 million as a basic salary from McLaren Mercedes over the next five years and is about to sign a personal sponsorship deal with Reebok, for three years that is worth £10 million, and Pepsi, this could be worth the same as the Reebok contract, or substantially more.
These sponsorships could take Lewis Hamilton's career earnings from Formula One racing to the huge sum of £500 million, which would equal Michael Schumachers bank balance after he had won 7 world championships and 91 Grand Prixs in a 17 year career.
He won the Monaco GP in May 2008 with special livery on his helmet that featured his signature in diamonds by team sponsor Steinmetz, adding a sparkle to his millions. This was the 19th win for Hamilton. He had hit a wall, punctured a rear tyre, came into the pits on only 3 wheels and still managed to win the race.
Britain’s last Formula One champion, Damon Hill, said Hamilton is “going to be big news”. “He’s bound to be a superstar globally after a season like that. That’s the most exciting season I have seen.” Prime Minister Brown said Hamilton’s win is the first “of many that he’s going to win in years to come” - a view that was echoed by many sports commentators.
