Richest race car drivers
Kuznetsov Alexey // Shutterstock
Richest race car drivers
Two race cars racing at high speeds on a track with motion blur.
On August 30, 1867, what is believed to be the first documented automobile race took place in Manchester, England. Two drivers steered their road steam carriages over an 8-mile countryside course, excited about pushing the boundaries of self-powered vehicles (but wary of attracting the attention of authorities).
By the late 19th century, officially sanctioned and organized races were taking place across the United States. Today, automobile races are held on almost every continent, from open-wheel races like Formula One and IndyCar, to stock car racing like NASCAR. That has changed the financial landscape of the globally popular sport.
NASCAR (founded 1948) is in the middle of a 10-year television agreement worth an estimated $8.2 billion. Formula One (founded 1950), has a large following overseas and made $2.6 billion in total revenue between Q4 2021 and Q3 2022, per earning reports released by Liberty Media, the parent company of the racing series. In June 2022, Formula One signed a television rights deal with ESPN worth a reported $75 to $90 million per year.
But does this wealth trickle down to the athletes competing in the sport? In many cases, yes. Stacker ranked the 25 richest race car drivers based on estimated net worth data from Celebrity Net Worth. The data set includes each driver’s nationality and which racing series they are best known for driving in. Formula One makes up the bulk of this list—16 of the 25 drivers have spent significant time in the open-wheel series. Seven, meanwhile, compete or competed in NASCAR.
Read on to see whether any of your favorite drivers made the list.
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Jared C. Tilton // Getty Images
#22. Kyle Busch (tie)
Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 BetMGM Chevrolet, exiting his car during practice for the NASCAR Clash at the Coliseum at Los Angeles Coliseum on February 04, 2023, in Los Angeles, California.
– Net worth: $80 million
– Known for: NASCAR
– Nationality: United States
Dubbed “The Candy Man” thanks to his longtime sponsorship with Mars Inc., Kyle Busch races full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. At various points in his career, Busch, who owns his team Kyle Busch Motorsports, won the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Additionally, he holds the record for having the most all-time wins in the Xfinity Series (102) and the Camping World Truck Series (62).
Mark Thompson // Getty Images
#22. David Coulthard (tie)
David Coulthard competing in a karting event during previews for the Formula One Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza on August 31, 2017, in Monza, Italy.
– Net worth: $80 million
– Known for: Formula One
– Nationality: Scotland
Now retired, David Coulthard competed in 15 seasons of Formula One racing. He won 13 Grand Prix races with teams like Williams-Renault, McLaren, and Red Bull. After retiring from that circuit, he’s worked as a commentator for BBC and Channel 4 in the U.K., been a consultant for the Red Bull team, and done small stints in a German racing league.
Jason Miller // Getty Images
#22. Danica Patrick (tie)
Danica Patrick, driver of the #10 GoDaddy Chevrolet, talking with Greg Zipadelli, director of competition at Stewart-Haas Racing, in a garage area during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quicken Loans 400.
– Net worth: $80 million
– Known for: NASCAR and IndyCar
– Nationality: United States
Danica Patrick is the only woman to have ever won an IndyCar Series race (the 2008 Indy Japan 300). Patrick has also raced in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where she became the highest-finishing woman in a major stock car series in 63 years based on top-10 placing points. According to Forbes, at the time of her retirement in 2018, Patrick had one of the biggest endorsement portfolios in sports with over 15 sponsors.
Pascal Rondeau // Getty Images
#22. Bobby Rahal (tie)
Bobby Rahal sitting in the #18 MillerTeam Rahal Reynard 96i Mercedes-Benz IC108C V8t before the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) 1996 PPG Indy Car World Series Marlboro Grand Prix of Miami.
– Net worth: $80 million
– Known for: IndyCar
– Nationality: United States
Throughout the 1980s, Bobby Rahal was one of the most popular drivers in Championship Auto Racing Teams (a predecessor to IndyCar). He won three championships in the league, including the 1986 Indianapolis 500, before retiring after the 1998 season. After stepping out from behind the wheel, Rahal held a number of executive positions including being the interim president of the CART series, a manager with Jaguar’s Formula One team, and IndyCar team owner.
Jared Tilton/SRX // Getty Images
#20. Tony Stewart (tie)
Tony Stewart #14 standing on the grid prior to the Camping World Superstar Racing Experience event at South Boston Speedway on June 25, 2022.
– Net worth: $90 million
– Known for: NASCAR and IndyCar
– Nationality: United States
A three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, Tony Stewart actually got his start in IndyCar. He began driving in the latter league in 1996 and won a cup there in 1997. In 1999, he moved to NASCAR, and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, Stewart is co-owner of the Stewart-Haas Racing team and the sole owner of the Superstar Racing Experience.
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Clive Rose // Getty Images
#20. Nigel Mansell (tie)
Sebastian Vettel preparing to drive the 1992 Williams FW14 of Nigel Mansell prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on July 03, 2022, in Northampton, England.
– Net worth: $90 million
– Known for: Formula One and IndyCar
– Nationality: United Kingdom
Nigel Mansell spent the bulk of his career in Formula One racing, where he drove for 15 seasons and had 31 wins. However, many Americans better recognize him for his two seasons racing in the CART league (he won a championship here in 1993). His final racing appearance was in 2010 in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he participated alongside his two sons.
Robert Laberge // Getty Images
#14. Rubens Barrichello (tie)
Rubens Barrichello of Brazil, driver of the #8 KV Racing Technology Dallara Chevrolet, during practice for the IndyCar Series Sao Paulo Indy 300 on April 28, 2012.
– Net worth: $100 million
– Known for: Formula One
– Nationality: Brazil
An 11-time Grand Prix winner, Rubens Barrichello drove in the Formula One series for 19 years. After retiring from that league, he spent a single season in IndyCar racing before moving to the Brazilian Stock Car series. In 2022, he won his second stock car title at Interlagos.
Mark Thompson // Getty Images
#14. Ralf Schumacher (tie)
Ralf Schumacher of Germany and Toyota looking on from the paddock before practice for the F1 United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on June 30, 2006, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
– Net worth: $100 million
– Known for: Formula One
– Nationality: Germany
The younger brother of Michael Schumacher, Ralf Schumacher made his Formula One debut in 1997. He won his first Grand Prix in 2001 and continued to race until 2012. After retirement, he worked in a managerial and mentorship role in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters series and as a commentator for Germany’s Sky Sports network.
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#14. Martin Brundle (tie)
Martin Brundle in a 1956 Jaguar D type 1998 Goodwood revival in West Sussex during 2000.
– Net worth: $100 million
– Known for: Formula One
– Nationality: United Kingdom
Martin Brundle drove for eight Formula One teams and had 158 starts over the course of his 12-year career. In addition to his success there, he has a 24 Hours of Le Mans win under his belt and has made appearances in a number of celebrity races. Since his retirement, Brundle became well-known as a commentator for networks like ITV, BBC, and Sky Sports F1.
Mark Thompson // Getty Images
#14. Jody Scheckter (tie)
Former F1 driver Jody Scheckter of South Africa preparing for a demonstration run in his Ferrari 312T4 before qualifying for the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza on September 07, 2019, in Monza, Italy.
– Net worth: $100 million
– Known for: Formula One
– Nationality: South Africa
Despite only being active in Formula One racing for eight years, Jody Scheckter is a well-known name with racing fans thanks to the number of heart-stopping crashes he caused throughout his career. He eventually won the F1 World Championship in 1979 (his only win) before retiring in 1980. To date, he remains the only South African driver to have won an F1 World Championship.
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MediaNews Group/Inland Valley Daily Bulletin // Getty Images
#14. Alexis DeJoria (tie)
Alexis DeJoria warming up her hot rod in the pits prior to the opening round of qualifying at the season opening 62nd annual NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022.
– Net worth: $100 million
– Known for: Drag racing
– Nationality: United States
The second woman to make the list, Alexis DeJoria is a drag racer who competes in the NHRA’s Funny Car division. She began competing in 2005 and, following a brief break in 2017, returned to the sport full-time in 2020. She holds the record of being the first woman to compete in 100 Funny Car events.
NurPhoto // Getty Images
#14. Alain Prost (tie)
Alain Prost during the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix at Monaco May 25, 2018, in Montecarlo, Monaco.
– Net worth: $100 million
– Known for: Formula One
– Nationality: France
One of the greatest drivers in Formula One history, Alain Prost has won 51 individual races and four championships. After retiring in 1993, he went on to own his own Formula One team, Prost Grand Prix, which disbanded in 2001 due to financial troubles.
Darren Heath Photographer // Getty Images
#13. Eddie Irvine
Eddie Irvine looking out from the cockpit of the #2 Scuderia Ferrari F310 Ferrari V10 during practice for the Formula One Argentinian Grand Prix on April 16,1996, at the Autodromo Oscar Alfredo Galvez in Buenos Aires.
– Net worth: $120 million
– Known for: Formula One
– Nationality: United Kingdom
Irish-born Eddie Irvine spent almost a decade racing in the Formula One series for teams like McLaren, Jaguar, and Ferrari. His top finish was runner-up at the 1999 Drivers World Championship. Since retirement, Irvine has had little involvement in the racing world, spending a bit of time as a commentator before moving on to new interests and professional pursuits.
Jared C. Tilton // Getty Images
#12. Mario Andretti
Mario Andretti walks in the Paddock prior to the F1 Grand Prix of USA at Circuit of The Americas on October 23, 2022, in Austin, Texas.
– Net worth: $130 million
– Known for: Formula One, IndyCar, and NASCAR
– Nationality: United States
Mario Andretti is one of three athletes to have ever won championships in Formula One, IndyCar (both under CART and USAC sanctioning), the World Sportscar Championship, and NASCAR. With 111 career wins on major circuits, he also remains the last American to win a Formula One World Championship race, in 1978. He remains active in the racing world, working as an official ambassador for the Circuit of the Americas.
Dan Istitene // Getty Images
#11. Sebastian Vettel
Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Aston Martin F1 Team preparing to drive ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 28, 2022, in Mexico City.
– Net worth: $140 million
– Known for: Formula One
– Nationality: Germany
The youngest Formula One champion of all time, Sebastian Vettel holds four World Driver’s Championship titles. When he began competing in 2007, the youngster was often compared to fellow German Michael Schumacher thanks to his driving style and hands-on approach to racing. Vettel retired in 2022, and now spends much of his time focused on activism.
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James Gilbert // Getty Images
#10. Jenson Button
Jenson Button preparing to drive during the NASCAR Project 56 Test at Daytona International Speedway on January 31, 2023, in Daytona Beach, Florida.
– Net worth: $150 million
– Known for: Formula One
– Nationality: United Kingdom
Jenson Button spent 17 seasons as a Formula One driver, starting 305 Grand Prix races and winning 15. In 2017, Button retired from racing but returned to the sport in 2021 as a senior advisor for the Williams team. He will make a return to international motorsports, driving an experimental car at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.
James Gilbert // Getty Images
#9. Jimmie Johnson
Jimmie Johnson being interviewed in the garage during the NASCAR Project 56 Test at Daytona International Speedway on January 31, 2023.
– Net worth: $160 million
– Known for: NASCAR
– Nationality: United States
The third seven-time champion in NASCAR history, Jimmie Johnson remains the league’s only driver to win five back-to-back championships. From 2021 to 2022, he stepped away from NASCAR to compete in IndyCar, although he announced a part-time return in early 2023. He’s also a part-owner of Legacy Motor Club (formerly Petty GMS Motorsports).
James Gilbert // Getty Images
#7. Jeff Gordon (tie)
Jeff Gordon looking on during the NASCAR Cup Series Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on July 10, 2022, in Hampton, Georgia.
– Net worth: $200 million
– Known for: NASCAR
– Nationality: United States
Jeff Gordon is often considered one of the most influential drivers in NASCAR history. Over the course of his 24-year career, Gordon did a lot to bring racing into the mainstream and started a record-setting 797 consecutive races. The three-time Daytona 500 champion now works as an analyst for Fox Sports and is the vice chairman at Hendrick Motorsports.
Icon Sports Wire // Getty Images
#7. Connie Kalitta (tie)
Connie Kalitta waiting for the next run on the starting line during the 15th Annual SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
– Net worth: $200 million
– Known for: Drag racing
– Nationality: United States
Nicknamed “the bounty hunter,” Connie Kalitta was a hugely successful Top Fuel drag racer, competing from the 1950s to the 1990s. Much of his fortune was not made on the track but in the air via his Kalitta Air business. He also owns the Kalitta Motorsports team.
Chris Graythen // Getty Images
#6. Kimi Raikkonen
Kimi Raikkonen, driver of the #91 Recogni Chevrolet, and his daughter greeting fans during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 21, 2022.
– Net worth: $250 million
– Known for: Formula One
– Nationality: Finland
Known for his stoic personality and reluctance to engage with fans and the media, Kimi Raikkonen is the most accomplished Finnish driver in Formula One history. With a record 349 race starts, plus 103 podium finishes, his 20-year career is nothing to bat an eye at. In 2022, the retired driver shocked everyone by becoming a principal racer for a motocross team.
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Eurasia Sport Images // Getty Images
#5. Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso of Spain Alpine F1 A522 Renault walking around the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 20, 2022.
– Net worth: $260 million
– Known for: Formula One
– Nationality: Spain
Fernando Alonso is perhaps best known for knocking Michael Schumacher from his throne when he became the World Drivers’ Champion in 2005. The fiercely competitive two-time champion still races in Formula One and currently drives for the Aston Martin team.
Eurasia Sport Images // Getty Images
#4. Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W13 walking around the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 20, 2022.
– Net worth: $285 million
– Known for: Formula One
– Nationality: United Kingdom
One of the first Black drivers to race in a Formula One series, Lewis Hamilton had one of the most explosive rookie campaigns in the sport’s history. That was just a sign of things to come—Hamilton holds seven World Driver’s Championship titles, tied with Michael Schumacher for most all-time.
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#3. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dale Earnhardt Jr, driver of the #88 Hellmann’s Fridge Hunters Chevrolet, waiting prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Call 811 Before You Dig 250 powered by Call 811.com at Martinsville Speedway on April 08, 2022.
– Net worth: $300 million
– Known for: NASCAR
– Nationality: United States
A third-generation driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. spent 19 years on the track, winning 26 NASCAR Xfinity Series cups. The one-time face of NASCAR, he’s semi-retired and focuses much of his energy on his JR Motorsports team, and working as an analyst for NBC Sports.
Clive Mason // Getty Images
#1. Michael Schumacher (tie)
Michael Schumacher of Germany and Mercedes GP in parc ferme after finishing his last F1 race following the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 25, 2012.
– Net worth: $600 million
– Known for: Formula One
– Nationality: Germany
During his years as an active Formula One driver, Michael Schumacher set almost every record there was in racing (though most of them have now been tied or beaten by Lewis Hamilton). Schumacher holds seven World Driver’s Championship titles and retains the record for the highest number of fastest laps at 77. After the 2006 season, he briefly retired from racing and worked as an advisor before making a comeback in 2010. As of 2012, Schumacher retired for good and now spends much of his time working in philanthropy.
Mark Thompson // Getty Images
#1. Eddie Jordan (tie)
Eddie Jordan in the paddock during practice for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit on April 12, 2013.
– Net worth: $600 million
– Known for: Formula One
– Nationality: Ireland
Eddie Jordan’s actual racing career was quite short— he only drove in the Formula One developmental circuit for a handful of years in the 1970s. However, his time as an owner of the Jordan Grand Prix (1991-2005) team is much more storied. The Irish businessman famously gave Michael Schumacher his big break back in 1991, even though the driver quickly jumped ship and moved to Benetton.
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