The Highest Paid Drivers in the Auto Racing World

Racing drivers continuously put their lives at risk every single time they decide to get behind the wheel. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that they are handsomely paid for their services. Although salaries throughout NASCAR are on the decline, the top drivers in the sport still manage to earn large sums of money every year.

Meanwhile, the top drivers in Formula 1 make far more when compared to stock car-driving. However, it drops quite significantly as there is a huge gap between 3rd and 4th place when it comes to the highest paid drivers on the circuit. Below you will find the highest paid drivers when it comes to the auto racing world.

1. Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton is a Formula One driver for Mercedes-AMG Petronas and earned a staggering $38 million in 2017. He is, therefore, the highest paid driver in the auto racing world as well as the richest athlete in the United Kingdom. Hamilton enjoys spending his money on art, private jets, and classical cars.

2. Sebastien Vettel

Sebastien Vettel is a Formula One driver for Scuderia Ferrari and earned a whopping $38 million in 2017. Vettel managed to win 4 consecutive F1 championships from 2010 through to 2013. This makes him the greatest German driv3er after Michael Schumacher.

3. Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso is a Formula One driver for McLaren-Honda and earned a mind-blowing $34 million in 2017. As a two-time F1 champion, he is the only Spanish driver that managed to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the history of the sport. He also made his first debut at the Indianapolis 500 in 2017.

4. Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie Johnson is a NASCAR Cup Series driver for Henrick Motorsports and earned $16.8 million in 2017. Boasting with a total of 5 consecutive championships from 2006 up until 2010, along with two more in 2016 and 2013, Johnson is considered one of the best NASCAR drivers in racing history.

5. Kyle Busch

Kyle Busch is a NASCAR Cup Series driver for Joe Gibbs Racing and earned $13.5 million in 2017. Busch has been a world-class driver since he first made his appearance in 2005. Apart from Jimmie Johnson, Busch is the only other active driver to boast with 40 career victories.

6. Denny Hamlin

Denny Hamlin is a NASCAR Cup Series driver for Joe Gibbs Racing and earned $13.4 million in 2017. With over 30 race wins and 3 podium finishes, Hamlin is one of the greatest NASCAR drivers that never won a championship. However, this might change in the near future so its best to keep an eye on this phenomenal driver.

7. Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Earnhardt Jr is a NASCAR Cup Series driver for Henrick Motorsports and earned $13.4 million in 2017. As the son of 7-time NASCAR Cup Series winner, Earnhardt Jr is undoubtedly the face of NASCAR at the moment. He’s been voted the most popular driver for 14 consecutive years and ended his career in 2017.