Fernando Alonso Is The Best Paid Driver In Motorsport

Fernando Alonso has been revealed as the highest paid driver in motorsport once again. The Spaniard topped the rich list in 2012 but Lewis Hamilton has closed in considerably on the double world champion.

Business magazine Forbes has revealed that Alonso earns a staggering $30 million a year including $2 million in personal sponsorship endorsements. He's so rich, in fact, he's just bought a cycling team with his spare cash.

Image source: Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team

However Lewis Hamilton has closed in on his former team-mate after moving from McLaren to Mercedes for 2013. The Brit now earns a cool $27.5 million per year including $1.5 million in endorsements.

NASCAR drivers occupy the following two positions with Dale Earnhardt Junior earning $26 million (including $13 million in sponsorship endorsements) and Jimmie Johnson making $24 million.

Image source: Getty Images

Six time Moto GP champion and 'The Doctor' Valentino Rossi earns $22 million despite taking a pay cut with yet another NASCAR driver in sixth: Tony Stewart with $18.5 million.

Image source: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

The next Formula 1 driver on the Forbes list is triple world champion Sebastian Vettel - who has a new team-mate for 2014 - on $18 million per year, just behind Jeff Gordon. Female NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Danica Patrick is ninth on the list, earning $15 million. This is $1 million higher than 2009 Formula 1 champion Jenson Button.

So if you spot any one of these drivers in the paddock, you know who to ask if you need to borrow a fiver.