Ferrari F1 driver Lewis Hamilton crowned the World’s Most Marketable Athlete for 2025
Lewis Hamilton’s name has long been synonymous with speed, success, and style. Now, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion has earned another remarkable title.
According to SportsPro’s 2025 rankings, the British driver has been named the World’s Most Marketable Athlete, a recognition that extends far beyond his performance on the racetrack.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo reflects on the recognition, as well as Hamilton’s 2025 debut Ferrari season.
Global recognition beyond Formula 1
The London-based media company SportsPro released its 16th edition of the 50 Most Marketable Athletes list, celebrating athletes from 17 countries and 12 different sports.
This year, Hamilton sits at the top of the global list, followed by Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and rugby star Ilona Maher.
The ranking measures not only athletic performance but also influence, global reach, and commercial potential.
This marks a significant rise for Hamilton, who ranked 11th in last year’s edition, behind Biles, Vinicius Junior, LeBron James, Caitlin Clark, and Lionel Messi.
The 2025 list features a reshuffled top order, with NBA star Stephen Curry in fourth place and Cristiano Ronaldo in fifth.
The rest of the top ten includes Neymar, Caitlin Clark, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and rising tennis sensation Coco Gauff.
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Hamilton’s influence off the track
While Hamilton’s results on the track have not met expectations since joining Ferrari, his influence away from racing remains unmatched.
Even amid the dominance of McLaren and Red Bull, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari generated enormous attention earlier this year.
His official announcement, accompanied by a striking photo in front of the iconic “Casa Ferrari,” became one of the most shared and discussed images across social media.
Hamilton currently boasts more followers on Instagram than F1’s official account, with over 41 million followers compared to the sport’s 38.9 million.
His ability to transcend the sport has made him one of the most bankable personalities in global entertainment, appealing to brands in fashion, sustainability, and lifestyle.
SportsPro described him as a “cultural icon” and praised his “authentic, influential, and attractive” persona. He received the highest score of all athletes in terms of economic profitability for brands.
Charles Leclerc also made the list in 25th place, while Lando Norris ranked 41st, highlighting the growing marketing power of F1 drivers.
Record-breaking achievements and ongoing challenges
Despite his ongoing adaptation to Ferrari’s SF-25, Hamilton continues to make history.
Recently, he became the first driver in F1 history to surpass 5,000 career points, finishing the United States Grand Prix with a total of 5,004.5 points.
He leads comfortably ahead of Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel, who hold second and third place in the all-time points tally.
However, not all records are worth celebrating.
His fourth-place finish in Austin marked his 19th consecutive race without a podium, breaking an unwanted Ferrari record previously held by Didier Pironi.
The Frenchman’s 18-race podium drought in the early 1980s ended with a controversial win at the San Marino Grand Prix. Hamilton now faces similar frustration as he searches for a return to form with the Scuderia.
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Legacy that extends beyond the circuit
Even as Ferrari’s growing pains continue, Hamilton’s stature in global sport remains undiminished.
His blend of competitive excellence, cultural awareness, and commercial influence has made him more than just an F1 champion. He has become a worldwide ambassador for style, inclusivity, and performance.
At 40, Hamilton has stated he is not ready to give up the wheel, insisting that his passion for racing remains strong.
His contract with Ferrari runs through 2026, and both parties may consider an extension depending on future performance.
For now, Hamilton’s reign as the world’s most marketable athlete reinforces one undeniable truth.
Whether on the podium or off it, Lewis Hamilton continues to lead the race for global influence, proving that his legacy goes far beyond Formula 1.
