Formula 1 is a category in which astronomical sums of money are handled, where any agreement, no matter how small, translates into millions of euros. The teams disburse amounts difficult to imagine for any mortal thanks to sponsors or prizes, among other things, and, with this, they can hire the most recognizable figures in motorsport, the drivers.
With the rise and expansion of the Great Circus, it was evident that some members of the grid were asking for an increase in their salaries, but given the lack of competition between the teams due to the economic imbalance, the FIA decided to implement a budget limit.
Although this does not yet account for spending on drivers’ salaries, the teams have already made changes, and one of those who has accused this is Lewis Hamilton, who has disappeared from the ten highest-paid athletes according to Forbes magazine.
The seven-time world champion was a regular on these lists, since in 2017 he appeared tenth, while last year he was eighth. As the publication indicated, the Briton filled his coffers with 82 million dollars (just over 78.5 million euros at the current exchange rate) in 2021, but has fallen in the classification despite the fact that the cut puts him in the star of the Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo , with 80.9 million dollars (77.5 million euros).
The reason for this could come from the new contract that binds him to Mercedes until 2023, which he signed last July and of which, obviously, the official figures have not been published. It could also be related to the reduction in the number of advertisements, something that adds up a lot in these lists, even more so when Hamilton is a “king of marketing” by collaborating with brands such as Tommy Hilfiger , IWC , Monster or Bose , among others. .
Thus, the seven-time champion says goodbye to this privileged place, which is led by the PSG player, Leo Messi , with 130 million dollars (124.9 million euros), followed by the four-time NBA MVP, LeBron James , and Cristiano Ronaldo , who closes this millionaire podium.
In total there are three football players, four from the NBA, a tennis player, a boxer and an NFL player. Forbes also published a list of the highest-paid drivers last year, and although Hamilton headed it, Max Verstappen followed him closely, and with the contract he signed with Red Bull until 2028, he is likely to have surpassed him.
List of the ten highest paid athletes in the world in 2022 according to Forbes
1- Lionel Messi, 130 million dollars (124.9 million euros)
2- LeBron James, 121.2 million dollars (116.3 million euros)
3- Cristiano Ronaldo, 115 million dollars (110.3 million euros)
4- Neymar, 95 million dollars (91.1 million euros)
5- Stephen Curry, 92.8 million dollars (89 million euros)
6- Kevin Durant, 92.1 million dollars (88.3 million euros)
7- Roger Federer, 90.7 million dollars (87 million euros)
8- Canelo Alvarez, 90 million dollars (86.3 million euros)
9- Tom Brady, 83.9 million dollars (80.5 million euros)
10- Giannis Antetokounmpo, 80.9 million dollars (77.5 million euros)
