Richest Race Car Drivers

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Richest race car drivers

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 in 1948) will kick off a $7.7 million seven-year broadcast deal in 2025. Formula One (founded in 1950), meanwhile, signed a television rights deal with ESPN in 2022 worth a reported $75 to $90 million per year that runs through 2025. The racing series has a large following overseas and made $553 million in total revenue in Q1 2024, per an earnings report released by Liberty Media, Formula One's parent company; that's a 45% increase from the same period in 2023.

But does this wealth trickle down to the athletes competing in the sport? In many cases, yes. Stacker ranked the 22 richest race car drivers based on estimated net worth data from Celebrity Net Worth as of Sept. 3, 2024. 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—15 of the 22 drivers have spent significant time in the open-wheel series. Four, meanwhile, compete or competed in NASCAR, and the remaining three are drag racers.

Read on to see whether any of your favorite drivers made the list.

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Tony Schumacher at Las Vegas Motor Motor Speedway in 2017.

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#14. Tony Schumacher (tie)

- Net worth: $100 million
- Known for: Drag racing
- Nationality: United States

Tony Schumacher (no relation to German racers Ralf and Michael Schumacher) competed in his first NHRA national event in 1996 and is still one of the top drag racers in the motorsports today. He made history with his record-breaking 86 Top Fuel event titles and in April 2024, the NHRA announced that he'll be inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America as part of the class of 2025. Notably, Schumacher's late father, Funny Car driver Don, was also inducted into the MSHFA in 2019.

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.

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#14. Rubens Barrichello (tie)

- 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.

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.

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#14. Ralf Schumacher (tie)

- 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.

Nikita Mazepin during the Formula 1 Winter Tests at Circuit de Barcelona - Catalunya in 2022.

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#14. Nikita Mazepin (tie)

- Net worth: $100 million
- Known for: Formula One
- Nationality: Russian

Haas F1 driver Nikita Mazepin made headlines in 2022 when his American-owned team unceremoniously dropped him from its roster following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, citing concerns about Mazepin's father, a close ally to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mazepin was believed to have earned a $2 million annual salary prior to his ousting. Though the sanctions against Mazepin were lifted in March 2024, his return to F1 remains uncertain.

Martin Brundle in a 1956 Jaguar D type 1998 Goodwood revival in West Sussex during 2000.

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#14. Martin Brundle (tie)

- 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.

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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.

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#14. Jody Scheckter (tie)

- 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.

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.

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#14. Connie Kalitta (tie)

- Net worth: $100 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.

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.

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#14. Alexis DeJoria (tie)

- 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.

Alain Prost during the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix at Monaco May 25, 2018, in Montecarlo, Monaco.

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#14. Alain Prost (tie)

- 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.

Kevin Harvick looks on during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 17, 2024 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

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Sean Gardner // Getty Images

#13. Kevin Harvick

- Net worth: $110 million
- Known for: NASCAR
- Nationality: United States

Kevin Harvick started racing in high school, when he took home national titles in the go-karting circuit before branching out to race part-time in the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series. In addition to dozens of other titles, he's won 60 Cup races and 14 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races over the course of his decades-long driving career, which ended in late 2023. Harvick has since moved on to become a broadcast analyst for FOX Sports and continues to host his popular NASCAR podcast, "Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour."

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.

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#12. Eddie Irvine

- 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.

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.

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#11. Mario Andretti

- 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.

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.

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#10. Sebastian Vettel

- 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. In May 2024, however, he came out of retirement to drive Ayrton Senna's McLaren MP4/8 at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix as a tribute to the late F1 icon.

Jenson Button preparing to drive during the NASCAR Project 56 Test at Daytona International Speedway on January 31, 2023, in Daytona Beach, Florida.

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#9. Jenson Button

- 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 also returned to competing in 2024, taking part in the World Endurance Championship for Hertz Team Jota.

Jimmie Johnson being interviewed in the garage during the NASCAR Project 56 Test at Daytona International Speedway on January 31, 2023.

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#8. Jimmie Johnson

- 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).

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Jeff Gordon looking on during the NASCAR Cup Series Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on July 10, 2022, in Hampton, Georgia.

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#7. Jeff Gordon

- 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 briefly worked as an analyst for Fox Sports and is now the vice chairman at Hendrick Motorsports.

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.

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#6. Kimi Raikkonen

- 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.

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.

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#5. Fernando Alonso

- 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.

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.

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#3. Lewis Hamilton (tie)

- Net worth: $300 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.

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.

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#3. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (tie)

- 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 now semi-retired and worked as an analyst for NBC Sports from 2018 to 2023; he's also a part-owner of the JR Motorsports team.

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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.

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#1. Michael Schumacher (tie)

- 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. After he suffered a serious skiing injury in 2013, he has retreated from the limelight to recuperate in his Switzerland home, though he once again made news in 2024 following a multi-million euro blackmail attempt against him and his family.

Eddie Jordan in the paddock during practice for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit on April 12, 2013.

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#1. Eddie Jordan (tie)

- 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.