Only two F1 drivers in ESPN's World Fame 100 rankings

Phillip van Osten 31/05/2017 at 08:19

Formula 1 drivers still have a way to go to increase their fame within the sports community, according to ESPN's annual World Fame 100 rankings.

Ben Alamar, ESPN's director of analytics, devised a formula that combines endorsements with social media following and internet search popularity to create the list.

The ranking is topped by football megastar Cristiano Ronaldo followed by LeBron James, Lionel Messi, Roger Federer, Phil Mickelson, Neymar, Usain Bolt, Kevin Durant, Rafael Nadal and Tiger Woods.

Scenes from the paddock - Monaco

Only four racing drivers appear in the standings, two of which are from NASCAR.

Dale Earnhardt Jr was the highest ranked athlete from the motor racing community in 69th place while Lewis Hamilton was all the way down in 84th position, a surprise given the three-time world champion's exposure and popularity on social media.

Jimmy Johnson ranked 86th, six spots in front of the list's second F1 driver which happens to be Felipe Massa.

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