The highest-paid drivers in the world of auto racing
Sarah Crabill/Getty
Racing drivers put their lives on the line every time they get behind the wheel, so it makes sense that they're paid handsomely for their services.
Even with salaries on the decline throughout NASCAR, the sport's top drivers rake in huge sums of money.
Meanwhile, the top names in Formula One make significantly more than their stock car-driving counterparts. However, that drops quickly as there is a $25 million gap between the third- and fourth-highest paid racers on the circuit.
Full-time driving gigs in racing's top levels are exceedingly difficult to come by, but those who do succeed are ultimately rewarded with big paychecks. Below, check out the top 15 highest-paid drivers in the world.
15. Kimi Raikkonen
Series: Formula One
Team: Scuderia Ferrari
Salary and earnings (2017): $7 million
One thing to know: Ten years removed from his lone Formula One championship, Raikkonen isn't having his best season, but he did notch a strong second-place finish at the Hungaroring in July.
Source: Fox Sports
14. Danica Patrick
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Team: Stewart-Haas Racing
Salary and earnings (2016): $7.2 million
One thing to know: Patrick is one of the highest-paid NASCAR drivers in the sport, but she doesn't perform like it. Through nearly five full seasons, she has yet to post a top-5 finish in any race.
Source: Forbes
13. Valtteri Bottas
Series: Formula One
Team: Mercedes-AMG Petronas
Salary and earnings (2017): $8.5 million
One thing to know: With wins in Russia and Austria, Bottas has been a consistent force in his first year with Mercedes. He'll be a free agent at the end of the season.
Source: Fox Sports
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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