Alonso and Hamilton best paid drivers in global motor sport

Fernando Alonso has emerged as the highest paid driver in the world of motor racing, with Lewis Hamilton not far behind as Formula 1 drivers take the top two spots in the big earners list ahead of their NASCAR rivals.

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

In second place is another Formula 1 driver, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, who reportedly makes $27.5 million per year, followed by NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr, with $26 million.

Sebastian Vettel earns half of what Fernando Alonso banks

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

According to Forbes, Formula 1's reigning triple world champion and 2013 title leader Sebastian Vettel makes $18 million per year, slightly less than NASCAR's Jeff Gordon.

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

Subbed by AJN.