'He'll be the first to earn $100m a year'

The British prodigy, whose maiden victory in Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix has catapulted him to world stardom, is destined to rival Tiger Woods at the head of sport's rich list.

Scroll down to read more:

Kimi Raikkonen is on F1's biggest retainer of $45m (£23m) but the Ferrari driver's manager, David Robertson, believes Hamilton will command more than double that amount.

He said: "Lewis has got tremendous promise. He's young, articulate and has great skill and the fact he's black makes you think he can earn $100m. He's transforming the sport.

"With the FIA cutting back on the amount teams can spend on car development, it will mean they can spend more on drivers."

Robertson's prediction underlines Hamilton's commercial appeal, not only as F1's first racer of Afro-Caribbean descent but as a clean-cut role model whose attraction extends beyond the track.

His basic deal at McLaren is now worth £340,000 per annum, although it is understood he receives around £7,000 per point.

As he leads the world championship with 48 points, his bonuses amount to £336,000 so far, but that fails to reward him adequately for reviving F1's fortunes overnight.

There are clauses in his contract which allow his earnings to grow, but if the 22-year-old were to become world champion, McLaren would be forced into renegotiating a vastly improved deal.

His business affairs are still being overseen by his father, Anthony.

However, the Hamiltons are giving serious thought to engaging a top agent. Going down that route would disappoint McLaren boss Ron Dennis.

He wants to keep a grip on his protege, who is in America this week doing commercial work for McLaren, and enforce the team's strict rules on driver image rights.

Traditionally, McLaren have not allowed drivers their own endorsements, though the team's main sponsors, Vodafone, are believed to be in negotiations to engage Hamilton on a personal basis.

It would mean him appearing in his own clothes rather than in overalls or other team gear.

Hamilton's former karting friend Robert Kubica was discharged from hospital yesterday following his horrific crash on Sunday — and drove himself away.

The Polish driver emerged with no more than a sprained right ankle despite the brief fear he might have lost his life when he somersaulted over the track from one wall to a barrier on the other side.

He had an MRI scan in Montreal before receiving the all-clear and must now satisfy the FIA medical team he is fit to compete in this weekend's American Grand Prix. A decision will be made by Thursday afternoon.

A BMW spokesperson said: "He's seen pictures of the accident and he's fine. He was even standing on tip-toes to show that even his ankle's not too bad."