In a recent report, it has been revealed that Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc top the list for having fake followers on their social media
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, though currently driving for different teams (with Hamilton set to join Ferrari), are undoubtedly two of the most influential figures on the global F1 stage today. While their on-track performances may not have met the monumental expectations set for them in the recent season, both drivers continue to boast massive and loyal fan followings across social media platforms. However, a recent report has ignited significant controversy, claiming that both Hamilton and Leclerc top the charts for having the highest number of fake followers, a reality that casts a shadow of doubt over the authenticity of their online popularity.
In terms of raw data, Lewis Hamilton has accumulated over 41.6 million followers on Instagram—an undeniably impressive figure that solidifies his status as a global superstar. Charles Leclerc follows closely with 21.2 million followers. The seven-time World Champion’s move to Ferrari has already generated numerous high-engagement posts, helping him secure a substantial income from lucrative partnership deals. Yet, it is this so-called “ghost fanbase” that allegedly allows these drivers to negotiate even heftier fees for each post, creating the illusion of a far broader audience reach than they truly possess.
To clearly illustrate the controversial financial implications, consider the reported earnings: Lewis Hamilton is said to command around $115,000 for every sponsored post on Instagram. Shockingly, approximately a quarter of that staggering sum—specifically $32,000—is allegedly generated by these phantom followers. This figure showcases the significant financial impact of bot accounts and vastly overshadows the earnings Leclerc receives from bot accounts, which stand at an estimated $9,200 per social media post.
The total money the seven-time champion earns per post, combining income from his genuine fanbase and the ghost followers, certainly surpasses the combined earnings of many other drivers on the grid. Despite the controversy surrounding the fake follower metrics, Lewis Hamilton’s massive social media earnings are largely understandable. He remains one of the most, if not the most, influential figures in contemporary F1. His reach extends far beyond the confines of the sport, commanding attention from the worlds of entertainment, fashion, and social activism.
Furthermore, the British driver’s sphere of influence was recently highlighted by his role in producing the latest F1-based film. This production achieved significant box office success and global recognition, further cementing his status as a cultural icon. Although facing scrutiny over the veracity of his social media numbers, Hamilton’s $115,000 fee per post is likely to climb even higher in the near future. Nothing appears capable of stopping his continued success in both his personal brand and professional life off the track, establishing him as one of the highest-paid athletes worldwide for media and endorsement activities. Hamilton’s career serves as a powerful testament to how much wealth personal brand and influence can generate in the digital age, irrespective of ongoing social media statistics debates.