Lewis Hamilton Retains Title As Britain's Richest Sports Star

Lewis Hamilton may not have won the 2016 World Championships but that hasn't stopped the three time champ retaining his other title, as Britain's top paid sports person.

After two seasons of dominance over Formula One the Brit was rather pegged back last season by his then teammate at Mercedes Nico Rosberg who held on in the final race to win the title. The Finn retired soon after.

That hasn't stopped the 32 year old from Stevenage though as his wealth grew by £25 million to leave him on an incredible £131 million, retaining the title he's held since 2014 when he had a 'mere' £68 million!

_{Fans celebrate Hamilton's victory at Silverstone. PA Images}

Hamilton is followed on the list by two Manchester United striker's with Zlatan Ibrahimovic overtaking Wayne Rooney as the country's richest footballer. The Swede's wealth is £110 million, taking him clear of Rooney's £93 million.

Fellow F1 driver Jenson Button, mostly retired but racing in Monaco at the end of the month, is in fourth place behind United's front line, up £9 million to £86 million.

_{Overtaken by his teammate. Don't worry Wazza, Lewis knows how you feel. PA Images}

Rory McIlroy makes up the top five, the Northern Irish golfer made the biggest leap on the top 10 list earning £26 million more to £82 million.

Knight of the realm Andy Murray takes the sixth spot with £77 million and is followed by the first of two football managers in Manchester, Jose Mourinho on £61 million.

Gareth Bale is next on the list with 'just' £54 million and the top 10 is finished off by basketball star Luol Deng and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, both on £50 million!

Nice work if you can get it!

The Sunday Times sport rich list 2017

1. Lewis Hamilton, motor racing, 2017 wealth £131m, up £25m

2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, football, 2017 wealth £110m, new entry

3. Wayne Rooney, football, 2017 wealth £93m, up £11m

4. Jenson Button, motor racing, 2017 wealth £86m, up £9m

5. Rory McIlroy, golf, 2017 wealth £82m, up £26m

6. Sir Andy Murray, tennis, 2017 wealth £77m, up £20m

7. Jose Mourinho, football, 2017 wealth £61m, up £11m

8. Gareth Bale, football, 2017 wealth £54m, up £20m

9= Luol Deng, basketball, 2017 wealth £50m, up £7m

9= Pep Guardiola, football, 2017 wealth £50m, new entry

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

@Sidler28