Kimi Antonelli is on the verge of a historic Formula One world title, and winning it could trigger a significant earnings bonus under his Mercedes contract.
Securing the Drivers' World Championship would activate major performance clauses in Antonelli's deal with Mercedes. This milestone alone would reportedly raise his total earnings for the season to just under £8.3 million (€10 million).
No direct prize money for the title
Unlike some other sports, the Formula One World Championship winner does not receive any extra money for achieving the ultimate prize. Instead, the champion would expect contract bonuses to be paid out for clinching the title.
The reported championship figure builds heavily on performance-based triggers rather than relying solely on a guaranteed base retainer. Antonelli is earning £2.5 million (€3.4 million) for the 2026 season, according to F1Salaries.
Race wins and points bonuses
Beyond the lump-sum championship payout, broader estimates indicate race-win and points bonuses could reach as high as £10 million (€12 million) on top of his baseline pay before the end of the season. Mercedes routinely establishes per-point and per-win prize structures to reward drivers for maximising the Constructors' Championship tally.
Winning a championship so early in his Formula 1 career would be an extraordinary, historic feat that justifies these lucrative financial clauses. Sources such as Bild highlight that Toto Wolff and Mercedes management crafted these clauses to ensure high-stakes motivation while keeping base fixed liabilities manageable.
Historic victory within reach
Antonelli could become the youngest world champion in F1 history at the Mexico City Grand Prix at 20 years old. The Italian would claim his maiden championship if Max Verstappen wins on Sunday, or if any driver other than George Russell or Lewis Hamilton claims top spot, Antonelli would win regardless of where he finishes.
