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Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has once again been recognized as the most marketable athlete in motorsport, according to SportsPro's annual list of the world’s 50 Most Marketable (50MM) athletes. Ranking 11th overall in 2024, this marks the 12th time the seven-time F1 World Champion has secured the top spot for a motorsport athlete. Known worldwide, Hamilton has built a devoted fan base and a brand appeal that attracts partnerships with major companies. In addition to his ambassadorships with brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Puma, IWC Watches, and Sony, Hamilton recently added Dior and the Corporate Finance Institute to his roster.
Max Verstappen in the list
Following Hamilton on the list is his fierce rival, Max Verstappen, who ranks 31st overall and just ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Verstappen, currently the highest-paid F1 driver with an annual salary exceeding $50 million, represents brands like ViaPlay and EA Sports. Leclerc, placed 33rd on the list, has partnerships with RayBan, Richard Mille, Puma, Peroni, and Bang & Olufsen. Other F1 drivers who made the list include McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, ranking 37th and 47th, respectively.
Meanwhile, speculation around Hamilton’s upcoming move to Ferrari has sparked opinions from F1 experts. Sky Sports F1 analyst Ted Kravitz commented on the challenging seasons both Hamilton and Ferrari are experiencing. Reflecting on Hamilton’s recent DNF in Austin and Ferrari’s victory at the same track.
Kravitz noted on the Sky Sports F1 podcast that both sides seem committed to the choice: “Even if Ferrari weren’t winning races, he’d think it's not [the wrong decision]. It changes doesn’t it from race to race? You can say when Mercedes had a great grand prix but Ferrari [didn’t]. You get races where Ferrari are not doing great and Mercedes are.”
Kravitz further explained that “Everything is fine. Listen, I don’t think they are worrying about it. Lewis can’t wait to get going with Ferrari - he says that in press conferences whenever we ask him. Ferrari can’t wait to have him. It’s all good, they’re looking forward to it.” Hamilton, now 39, is set to join Ferrari on a multi-year contract that will likely see him racing with the Italian team until at least the end of 2026.
Hamilton is currently going through a poor run this season and he is ranked 6th with 177 points while Max Verstappen tops the chart and is most likely to clinch the trophy this season.
