Kimi Antonelli could earn nearly £8.3 million (€10m) this season if he wins the Formula One Drivers' Championship, according to reports. The Mercedes driver is closing in on his maiden world title, with the payout set to come from performance clauses in his contract rather than a separate prize fund.
Championship payout and salary structure
Unlike other sports, Formula One does not award additional prize money to the Drivers' Championship winner. Instead, Antonelli would receive contractual bonuses for securing the title, on top of his reported £2.5m (€3.4m) base salary for the 2026 season, as detailed by F1Salaries.
The reported £8.3m figure depends heavily on performance-related triggers rather than a guaranteed retainer. Sources including Bild suggest that Toto Wolff and the Mercedes hierarchy structured these clauses to maintain high-stakes motivation while keeping fixed costs under control.
Race win and points bonuses
Beyond the championship payment, wider estimates suggest race-victory and points bonuses could add as much as £10m (€12m) to his baseline salary before the season ends. Mercedes routinely sets up per-point and per-victory structures to incentivise drivers to maximise the Constructors' Championship haul.
Clinching a title so early in his Formula 1 career would be a landmark accomplishment, justifying the lucrative financial incentives built into his deal.
Historic title opportunity
Antonelli could become the youngest world champion in F1 history at the Mexico City Grand Prix, aged 20. He would claim his maiden championship if Max Verstappen wins on Sunday, or if any driver other than George Russell or Lewis Hamilton takes top spot, Antonelli would win regardless of where he finishes.
