Latin America is renowned for producing some of the greatest F1 legends. Icons such as Ayrton Senna, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Sergio Pérez. But who comes out on top when it comes to their bank accounts? We take a look at the five highest-earning drivers from Latin America, based on their estimated total wealth. We also explore how they amassed their fortunes—sometimes from unexpected sources. Which Latin Legend takes the financial crown? We count down from 5 to the undisputed number 1. Let’s go!
5. Juan Pablo Montoya (Colombia) – $40 million
Born in Bogotá, Montoya made his F1 debut with Williams in 2001 and quickly became a fan favorite due to his aggressive driving style. He won seven Grand Prix and later drove for McLaren, but left Formula 1 in 2006 to focus on NASCAR and IndyCar.
Earnings
Although his F1 career was relatively short, Montoya earned well from his contracts with Williams and McLaren. His switch to NASCAR brought in additional millions, as did sponsorship deals with Texaco and Target.
Fun fact
Montoya didn’t just race on the asphalt, he also made money from esports and sim racing. He invested in a professional sim team and organizes virtual races with prize money.
4. Rubens Barrichello (Brazil) – $110 million
Brazilian Rubens Barrichello raced in an impressive 322 Grand Prix between 1993 and 2011, making him the longest active F1 driver ever. He drove for Jordan, Stewart, Ferrari, Honda, Brawn, and Williams. At Ferrari, he was the second driver behind Michael Schumacher for many years and won 11 races.
Earnings
Barrichello earned millions at Ferrari and received a hefty salary when he narrowly missed the world title at Brawn GP in 2009. Sponsorship deals and sim racing helped increase his wealth.
Fun fact
Barrichello launched a YouTube channel where he shares racing tips and anecdotes, which has also become a new source of income.
3. Felipe Massa (Brazil) – $110 million
Born in São Paulo, Felipe Massa made his debut in 2002 with Sauber and spent the majority of his career with Ferrari. In 2008, he was just a few seconds away from the world title, but dramatically lost it to Lewis Hamilton in the final turn of the season finale. He won a total of 11 races and retired from Formula 1 in 2017.
Earnings
As a Ferrari driver, Massa had one of the highest-paid contracts of his time. He also earned well from sponsorship deals with Santander and luxury watch brand Richard Mille.
Fun fact
Massa earned millions from gambling licenses in Brazil. His name was associated with official Formula 1 simulators in gambling centers, providing him with a unique source of income.
2. Sergio Pérez (Mexico) – $150 million (estimated, including bonuses)
With Pérez, we move to the next income class. The Mexican is the most successful F1 driver from his country and one of the highest-earning athletes in Latin America. After his debut with Sauber, he became one of the most consistent drivers. He won his first race in 2020 and became a Red Bull driver in 2021, where he secured multiple victories alongside Max Verstappen.
Earnings
His salary at Red Bull was estimated at $10 million per year, but he earns much more thanks to bonuses and sponsorship deals with Telcel, Claro, and Banorte. He also invested in an esports team and launched his own clothing line.
Fun fact
Pérez also owns his own tequila brand: Patrón Tequila.
1. Ayrton Senna (Brazil) – $200 million (estimated at the time of his death in 1994)
Even with a career tragically cut short, Ayrton Senna remains the highest-earning Latin American F1 driver of all time. His talent, charisma, and ruthless style made him not only a legend on the track but also a magnet for sponsors.
Born in São Paulo, Senna made his F1 debut in 1984 and won three world titles (1988, 1990, 1991) with McLaren. He was known for his unparalleled, aggressive driving style.
Earnings
Senna was one of the highest-paid athletes of his time. His contract with McLaren in 1993 earned him $1 million per race. In addition, he had lucrative sponsorship deals with TAG Heuer and Banco Nacional.
Fun fact
Senna invested in real estate and had interests in the aviation sector. After his death, his fortune was used for the Ayrton Senna Foundation.
