Hamilton declared eighth best-paid sports star of 2020-21

Lewis Hamilton has been declared as the eighth highest-paid sports star of the past 12 months, according to Forbes.

The seven-time F1 champion breaks into the top 10 for only the second time in his career, with combined on and off-track earnings of $82million from May 1, 2020, through to May 1, 2021.

If the figure was judged on Hamilton's Mercedes salary alone, the 36-year-old would sit equal fourth on $70m, with Forbes declaring that figure to comprise what they describe as "healthy bonus payments" after claiming his seventh title last season.

The off-track $12m derives from Hamilton's sponsorship portfolio that includes Tommy Hilfiger, Monster Energy and Puma.

At the top of the list sits UFC star Conor McGregor on $180m, although $158m of that were from his earnings away from the octagon, notably the $150m sale of a majority stake in whisky brand 'Proper No. Twelve' to Proximo Spirits.

McGregor is followed by football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on $130m and $120m respectively, with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott at four, thanks to a $66m new contract signing bonus with the NFL team.

Also ahead of Hamilton are basketball star LeBron James, footballer Neymar and tennis great Roger Federer, with American football's Tom Brady and another basketball player in Roger Durant completing the top 10.

Forbes claims on-field earnings "include all prize money, salaries and bonuses", while off-field earnings are "an estimate of sponsorship deals, appearance fees and licensing income...plus cash returns from any businesses operated by the athlete, based on conversations with industry insiders".

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