According to the authoritative business magazine Fernando Alonso has emerged as the highest earning driver in the entire world of motor racing. A title once held by F1’s Michael Schumacher.

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

Fellow 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, comes in next with $24 million, followed 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 Sebastian Vettel makes $18 million per year, which is slightly less than Nascar’s Jeff Gordon.

Female driver Danica Patrick is not far behind Vettel with $15 million – more than the $14m reportedly earned by McLaren’s Jenson Button.