Hamilton overhauls Schumacher as F1's top all-time earner

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Lewis Hamilton's career earnings in Formula 1 have now surpassed the amount of big bucks raked in by seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.

According to estimates published by Forbes recently, Hamilton's career earnings stand at approximately $489 million, or $25 million more than the amount Schumacher brought in over the course of his almost 20-year career in Grand Prix racing.

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The numbers are based solely on drivers' salary and do not include income from personal sponsors or various endorsement deals.

Forbes states that Schumacher's salary peaked at an estimated $38 million in 1999, during his fourth season with Ferrari.

Adjusted for inflation, the figure is superior than the approximate $40 million retainer currently enjoyed by Hamilton with Mercedes.

Overall, Hamilton's longevity coupled with various lucrative business deals such as his partnership with fashion company Tommy Hilfiger have likely put the Brit comfortably ahead of Schumacher in terms of net worth.

Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso isn't far behind his two former rivals I terms of career earnings, the Spaniard drawing in an estimated and healthy $458 million, while four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel is out-earned by a lofty $100 million!

While a world championship title, let alone several, guarantees a lofty net worth for a driver, Formula 1's club of top-10 earners isn't populated exclusively with men who have been crowned.

Indeed, Grand Prix winners Ralf Schumacher, Felipe Massa and Rubens Barrichello have earned themselves big bucks without ever winning the championship.

Check out the list of Formula 1's top-ten all-time earners.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.