Spanish driver Fernando Alonso is by far the highest paid driver in Formula One, according to figures published by the Business Book GP 2012.

The French publication estimates the Ferrari driver to be earning €30 million ($37.1m) per annum, excluding sponsorship deals, almost twice as much as his nearest rival Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button €16 million ($19.7m).

At Red Bull, both drivers are also paid equally on €10million ($12.3m) a year, the same as Felipe Massa. That means the Brazilian is paid some €20million ($24.7m) less than his team-mate, indicating that Alonso enjoys superiority at Ferrari.

Another reported notable disparity between driver salaries is at Force India, with Nico Hulkenberg ($618,177), earning more than double that of Paul di Resta ($247,270).