SEPTEMBER 5, 2013

Alonso best paid driver in motor sport - Forbes

Fernando Alonso has emerged as clearly the highest earning driver in the entire world of motor racing.

Fernando Alonso has emerged as clearly the highest earning driver in the entire world of motor racing.

The authoritative business magazine Forbes said the Ferrari driver earns $30 million per year, of which $2 million is made up of personal endorsements.

In second place is another F1 driver, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, who reportedly makes $27.5 million per year, followed by Nascar driver Dale Earnhardt jr, with $26m.

Another American, Jimmie Johnson, is next best with his $24 million, trailed by MotoGP veteran Valentino Rossi ($22m), and yet another Nascar star Tony Stewart ($18.5m).

According to Forbes, F1's reigning triple world champion and 2013 title leader Sebastian Vettel makes $18 million per year, slightly less than Nascar's Jeff Gordon.

And female driver Danica Patrick is not far behind Vettel with her $15 million, which is more than the $14m reportedly earned by McLaren's Jenson Button.

(GMM)