Motorsport is one of the world’s most physically demanding but also financially rewarding sports in the world today. Racing drivers are not only renowned, but they are also well-paid. Moreover, humans have long been obsessed with racing. Given its popularity, it’s no surprise that many racing pros make millions of dollars over their careers.
Understanding National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR)
National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a high-profile sanctioning body that permits drivers and teams to compete in various races. NASCAR guarantees that drivers are compensated and that the vehicles are safe. It defines correct track behaviour, punishes those at fault, and provides drivers with insurance. Furthermore, firms such as Joe Fortune Online Casino, brands, and organizations pay the best racing drivers to wear and drive their logos. The following are six of the highest-earning racing drivers of the past few decades
1. Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher, primarily recognized as one of the finest Formula 1 drivers of all time, must rank first. He was tragically injured in a skiing accident in 2013 and is now undergoing recovery. There is virtually little information available about his present health. Formula 1 is a high-paying sport, particularly for the top drivers. Schumacher allegedly earned up to $100 million yearly from victories and endorsements. He had agreements with corporations such as Vodafone, Shell, Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz.
2. Eddie Jordan
Eddie Jordan is an Irish businessman and previous owner of an eponymous racing team. In 1971, Eddie won the Irish Kart Championship, and in 1974, he transferred to Formula Ford. He founded and owned Jordan Grand Prix, a Formula 1 constructor, from 1991 through 2005. Furthermore, Eddie Jordan was a savvy businessman with an approximate net worth of $475 million. From 2009 until 2015, he was the BBC’s principal analyst for Formula 1 coverage before joining Top Gear from Channel 4.
3. Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton, with an estimated net value of $280 million, is right up there among the world’s richest auto racers in 2022. The British racing hero is one of the wealthiest sports figures in the country’s history and the highest-paid driver in Formula 1 history. Lewis and Michael Schumacher share the record for the most World Drivers Championship championships (seven apiece). Lewis is also well-known for his anti-racism activism and advocacy for more diversity in racing. In the 2020 edition of Time, he was named one of the 100 most influential persons in the world. Also, he was knighted in the 2021 New Year Honours. Hamilton’s contract with Mercedes is estimated to be around £40 million ($51 million) annually. He also has several sponsorship agreements with brands such as Bose, Sony, L’Oreal, Puma, and Monster Energy Drinks.
4. Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso is a Spanish racing driver with an estimated net worth of $260 million in 2022. He currently drives for Alpine in Formula One. He won the FIA Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship in 2005 and 2006 and has raced for McLaren, Ferrari, and Minardi. Moreover, Alonso started karting at three and won local, national, and international championships. He started racing at 17, winning the Nissan Euro Open in 1999. After winning the World Championship in 2005 and 2006, he became the youngest pole-sitter, youngest race winner, youngest world champion, and youngest two-time champion in racing history; that is until current champion Max Verstappen came along…
5. Jenson Button
With an estimated net value of $150 million, Jenson Button is a racing driver from Great Britain. Jenson won the FIA Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship in 2009 while driving for the Brawn GP squad. After his F1 career, Button won the 2018 Super GT Series season with Naoki Yamamoto, with whom he shared a Honda racing vehicle at Team Kunimitsu. Jenson began karting when he was eight years old and quickly became successful before moving on to auto racing in the British Formula Ford Championship and the British Formula 3 Championship. He debuted in Formula 1 with Williams in the 2000 season.
6. Tony Schumacher
Tony Schumacher is an eight-time drag racer and multiple NHRA champion from the United States. He is the son of NHRA veteran Don Schumacher, although the family is not related to Formula 1 racer Michael Schumacher, despite their similar last names. Schumacher is now driving a Top Fuel Dragster in search of sponsorship. Schumacher races for his father’s multi-team company and is the son of former funny car racer Don Schumacher. The United States Army has sponsored him for numerous years, and his aggressive demeanour and buzz cut hairdo have given him the moniker “Sarge.” The name “The Sarge” was initially assigned to the dragster, but it soon became associated with the driver himself.
There have been races since humans first began riding other animals. Humans are hooked to speed and appreciate the nail-biting finishes of races, whether single bike races or chariot races. Though chariot racing is no longer popular, it has been replaced by bigger and tougher machines known as racing cars. With all the excitement and accuracy necessary to compete in motorsport, much alone prevail over everyone else, it’s no surprise that the drivers are paid so well! Furthermore, racing car drivers are among the highest-paid athletes in the world, from race victory purses through to sponsorships.
