2016 Formula 1 driver salaries

In the wake of Lewis Hamilton grabbing headlines for being the richest sports person in Britain – for his fortune which is estimated to be around $150 million – we reveal the top earners in Formula 1.

On paper quadruple world champion Sebastian Vettel is the highest paid Formula 1 driver in 2016 with a record three year deal with Ferrari worth $150 million, excluding bonuses, which also makes him one of the highest paid sportsman in the world.

Next up is Fernando Alonso who signed record three year deal (2015-2017) with McLaren-Honda and has an annual salary of $40 million per year.

Hamilton has a three year deal with Mercedes worth $31 million a-year guaranteed salary, plus up to $10 million per annum in bonuses making him the third highest paid driver in the sport.

Jenson Button signed a one year extension with McLaren-Honda to remain with the team in 2016. The 2009 world champion is banking around $12 million a year, which is a pay cut compared to 2013 when he was earning $17 million a year.

Runaway championship leader Nico Rosberg, banks $15.5 million per year, which is almost a third less than his Mercedes teammate Hamilton.

Formula 1 2016 drivers contract details: