RESULTS FOR 2008
Ranking: 34=
Worth: £15m
Source of wealth: Motor racing

He may have missed the Formula One world championship title by a single point in his debut season, but Hamilton, 23, has hit the financial jackpot and has the potential to become the sport’s biggest earner. He has signed a five-year deal with McLaren worth £35m, something of an improvement on his rookie season rate of £250,000 plus £3,500 per championship point won (which added up to an extra £381,500). It is believed he has retained some intellectual property rights that should boost his earnings to at least £10m a season through endorsements. The boy from Stevenage is growing up fast. He has already moved to the tax haven of Switzerland, although he maintains this was done to protect his privacy not his wallet. He is astutely managed by his father Anthony, who brokered the agreement that will extend the driver’s association with McLaren to 15 years by the time it runs its course. We raise Hamilton by £10m this year to reflect that deal. Despite a poor showing in the recent Bahrain Grand Prix, he is primed to add considerably to his fortune.

RESULTS FOR 2007
Ranking: 93=
Worth: £5m
Source of wealth: Motor racing