Hamilton outshines Verstappen and rivals...

Hamilton outshines Verstappen and rivals…Read more

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion from Mercedes, recently clinched a victory over fellow F1 stars Max Verstappen and Lando Norris—not on the track, but off it, with his high ranking on SportsPro’s 2024 list of the ’50 Most Marketable Athletes.’

In a challenging season for Mercedes’ 2024 car, the W15, which has struggled to keep pace with its competitors, Hamilton has still managed two race wins, triumphing at Silverstone and Spa. However, his latest win in marketability underscores his influence and value beyond the sport itself.SportsPro’s 2024 list, created in partnership with NorthStar Solutions Group, analyzed and ranked athletes globally based on their appeal to brands.

Using a detailed methodology that considers digital metrics and deeper indicators of athlete marketability, this ranking highlights the athletes who offer the most significant value for brands today. Among top athletes across all sports, Hamilton ranked 11th overall, standing out among the world’s biggest names like Simone Biles, LeBron James, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Importantly, Hamilton leads among F1 drivers on the list, outpacing even Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who holds an overall rank of 31. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc follows closely behind Verstappen in 33rd place, while McLaren’s Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri are listed at 37th and 46th, respectively.

The list suggests a substantial interest in F1 drivers in the marketability landscape, with additional F1 names featured further down in SportsPro’s extended top 150 rankings.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz ranks 58th, followed by Mercedes’ George Russell at 63rd. F1 academy driver Bianca

Bustamante is ranked 64th, and rising star Ollie Bearman, set to join F1 full-time soon, is at 101.Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025 has made headlines, marking a significant change in his career, although his final season with Mercedes has been mixed.

Despite the W15’s struggles, Hamilton has still managed to make a mark on and off the track. His high marketability ranking is a testament to his enduring appeal and influence, as he continues to attract brands and fans alike in the digital era.