Nigel Mansell at a Glance
- Net Worth: $90 Million
- Birthdate: August 8, 1953
- Birthplace: Upton-upon-Severn, United Kingdom
- Nationality: British
- Profession: Former Racing Driver, Entrepreneur
What is Nigel Mansell’s Net Worth?
Nigel Mansell possesses a net worth of $90 million. This fortune is derived from his record-breaking salary during his prime racing years, successful post-retirement business ventures, and the high-value liquidation of his personal car collection.
Unlike many athletes who rely solely on endorsements, Mansell actively expanded his wealth through tangible assets. He was the highest-paid British sportsman in the early 1990s, commanding multi-million dollar contracts with Williams and Ferrari. Following his retirement, he transitioned into entrepreneurship, owning a successful golf and country club in Devon and a luxury car dealership in Jersey.
In recent years, Mansell’s net worth saw a significant injection of liquidity through the strategic sale of his race-winning chassis. His foresight to retain ownership of the cars he drove to victory—rather than returning them to the teams—proved to be one of his most lucrative financial decisions.
Early Life
Nigel Ernest James Mansell was born in Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire. His path to financial success was not inherited; he came from a middle-class background and studied engineering at Matthew Boulton College.
His entry into motorsport was characterized by immense financial risk. To fund his progression through Formula Ford and Formula 3, Mansell and his wife Roseanne sold their personal belongings and mortgaged their home. This “all-in” approach nearly led to financial ruin early in his career, particularly after he suffered a broken neck during a crash at Brands Hatch. These early struggles defined his aggressive driving style and his later determination to maximize his earnings once he reached the pinnacle of the sport.
Career
Nigel Mansell’s professional career is defined by his tenure with three of the most prestigious teams in motorsport: Lotus, Williams, and Ferrari. His ability to extract maximum performance from a car made him a high-value asset, allowing him to negotiate record-breaking salaries.
Mansell began his Formula 1 career with Lotus in 1980. While the car was often unreliable, his raw speed caught the attention of Frank Williams. Joining Williams in 1985, he became a title contender, famously losing the 1986 championship by a single tire blowout in Adelaide. Despite the near-misses, his market value soared, establishing him as one of the grid’s elite earners.
In 1989, Mansell became the last driver personally selected by Enzo Ferrari. His move to the Italian team came with a significant salary increase. Known as “Il Leone” (The Lion) by the Italian fans, his time at Ferrari was lucrative, though plagued by mechanical reliability issues. His contract with Ferrari solidified his status as a global superstar, further boosting his income through merchandise and appearances.
Mansell returned to Williams in 1991. In 1992, he dominated the season, winning nine races and securing the World Championship. However, a contract dispute regarding his salary and the signing of Alain Prost led to his departure from Formula 1.
He made a high-profile switch to the US-based IndyCar series (CART) with Newman/Haas Racing in 1993. This move was financially substantial, as IndyCar teams at the time offered packages competitive with, or exceeding, F1 salaries for top talent. Mansell won the IndyCar title in his debut season, making history and significantly expanding his earning potential in the American market.
Mansell briefly returned to F1 in 1994 and 1995 with Williams and McLaren, respectively. His final contract with McLaren was high-value but short-lived, as he retired after just two races. Since retiring from top-tier racing, he has competed in the Grand Prix Masters series and served as a steward for the FIA, maintaining his presence in the motorsport community.
Real Estate
Mansell has managed a diverse real estate portfolio, primarily centered around tax-efficient jurisdictions and lifestyle properties. Since the mid-1980s, Mansell has been a resident of Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands. The island is a well-known low-tax jurisdiction that has attracted numerous Formula 1 drivers. His residence in St Brelade offers privacy and serves as the base for his business operations.
During his IndyCar career and subsequent retirement, Mansell owned a substantial estate in the Belleair area of Clearwater, Florida. The property was part of a luxury enclave popular with other racing figures. This US base allowed him to manage his American racing commitments and enjoy the climate before he eventually consolidated his interests back in the UK and Jersey.
Personal Life
Nigel Mansell has been married to Roseanne Mansell since 1975. Their relationship is often cited as a cornerstone of his success, as she supported the family financially during the risky early stages of his racing career.
The couple has two sons, Leo and Greg, and a daughter, Chloe. Both Leo and Greg followed their father into motorsport, competing in various endurance and single-seater series. Mansell has frequently teamed up with his sons for racing events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The family maintains a private life, primarily residing in Jersey.
