Lewis Hamilton ‘brings more value’ than ‘pure racer’ Verstappen, claims…read more
Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 Formula 1 World Champion, has shared his thoughts on the value of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in the world of motorsport, highlighting the contrast between the two drivers. According to Villeneuve, while both Hamilton and Verstappen offer significant financial benefits to their respective teams, it is Hamilton who stands out for his broader “brand” value, which extends far beyond the track.
In recent years, the F1 scene has been largely dominated by Hamilton and Verstappen. Verstappen ended Hamilton’s reign in 2021, securing his first World Championship title. This victory marked the start of an incredible run for the Dutch driver, who has since claimed four consecutive titles, with the 2025 season positioning him to pursue his fifth. On the other hand, Hamilton, who had been the face of F1’s success for a long period, remains one of the most successful drivers in the sport’s history.
While Verstappen is also heavily involved in the virtual racing world and runs his own racing team, Verstappen.com Racing, Hamilton has built an extensive business empire outside of Formula 1. Over the years, Hamilton has ventured into industries such as fashion, film, music, and even food, making his impact felt beyond motorsport. This global brand presence, according to Villeneuve, is where Hamilton’s real value lies.
Villeneuve emphasized that both drivers are undeniably valuable to their teams. However, the Canadian believes that Hamilton’s influence extends beyond just his racing abilities. Hamilton’s reach in global markets and his involvement in numerous other industries elevate his worth. In contrast, Villeneuve points out that Verstappen, while a “pure racer” who brings victories and championships to Red Bull, doesn’t have the same level of recognition outside of racing. His image and brand value are closely tied to his success on the racetrack, whereas Hamilton’s presence in various sectors gives him a broader appeal.
This difference in their global profiles has a direct impact on their financial value. Villeneuve pointed out that both drivers are paid well for their roles, with Verstappen being the highest-earning F1 driver, according to Forbes, who reported that he earned $75 million last season. This sum includes his base salary of $60 million along with $15 million in bonuses. Meanwhile, Hamilton earned $57 million, with $55 million coming from his salary and an additional $2 million in bonuses.
Despite the difference in their earnings, Villeneuve believes that Hamilton’s overall value, especially in terms of his international brand, far surpasses Verstappen’s. He acknowledged Verstappen’s worth in the context of his racing success, but the Canadian believes that Hamilton’s fame extends far beyond motorsport. “He’s known in circles
