Alonso is F1’s highest paid driver

Editor

Figures from a study by Business Book GP and republished by Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reveal that Fernando Alonso's return to McLaren has seen him remain the top earner in F1 despite Sebastian Vettel's move to Ferrari.

Last season's figures from Business Book GP had Alonso, Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen earning the same amount, but Alonso now is reported to earn €35 million while Vettel takes home €28m. Raikkonen has dropped to fourth on the list with €18m, €7m less than world champion Lewis Hamilton who is the third highest paid driver.

The top five is rounded off by Hamilton's Mercedes team-mate, Nico Rosberg, who pockets €13.5m.

There is a gap of €33.950m between Alonso and the lowest earner on the grid, Manor's Roberto Merhi, whose salary is just €50,000.

Drivers: 

1. Fernando Alonso – McLaren-Honda – €35m 
2. Sebastian Vettel – Ferrari – €28m 
3. Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes – €25m 
4. Kimi Raikkonen – Ferrari – €18m 
5. Nico Rosberg – Mercedes – €13.5m 
6. Jenson Button – McLaren-Honda – €10m 
7. Felipe Massa – Williams – €4m 
= Nico Hulkenberg – Force India F1 – €4m 
= Sergio Perez – Force India F1 – €4m 
= Romain Grosjean – Lotus F1 Team – €4m 
= Pastor Maldonado – Lotus F1 Team – €4m 
12. Valtteri Bottas – Williams – €2m 
13. Daniel Ricciardo – Red Bull Racing – €1.5m 
14. Daniil Kvyat – Red Bull Racing – €750,000 
15. Max Verstappen – Scuderia Toro Rosso – €250,000 
= Carlos Sainz – Scuderia Toro Rosso – €250,000 
17. Felipe Nasr – Sauber – €200,000 
= Marcus Ericsson – Sauber – €200,000 
19. Will Stevens – Manor – €150,000 
20. Roberto Merhi – Manor – €50,000 

What teams spend on drivers: 

1. Ferrari – €46m 
2. McLaren-Honda – €45m 
3. Mercedes – €38.5m 
4. Force India – €8m 
= Lotus F1 team – €8m 
6. Williams – €6m 
7. Red Bull Racing – €2.25m 
8. Scuderia Toro Rosso – €500,000 
9. Sauber – €400,000 
10. Manor – €200,000