If you thought stepping into Lewis Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes meant an immediate $50 million paycheck, you’re in for a reality check. F1 doesn’t work like that. Not even for the "next big thing."
Andrea Kimi Antonelli is currently the most scrutinized teenager on the planet. He’s 19 years old, driving for one of the most prestigious teams in history, and literally replacing a seven-time World Champion. But when you look at how much does Kimi Antonelli make, the numbers are actually quite grounded—at least by Formula 1 standards.
Kimi isn't pulling in Verstappen-level cash yet. He's on a "prove it" deal. Mercedes is paying for potential, but they aren't handing over the keys to the vault until he brings home the hardware.
The Base Salary: What Mercedes Actually Pays
Let's get straight to the numbers. For the 2026 season, Kimi Antonelli is earning a base salary of $2,000,000.
It sounds like a lot to a normal person. For a teenager, it’s astronomical. But in the F1 paddock, he’s actually one of the "budget" drivers. To put that in perspective, George Russell, his teammate, is reportedly making upwards of $26 million to $30 million this year. The man he replaced, Lewis Hamilton, is now over at Ferrari banking roughly $70 million.
Mercedes is basically saving a massive fortune on driver salaries right now. By swapping a legend for a rookie, they’ve freed up nearly $40 million in their budget. That’s money they can pump into R&D for the new 2026 technical regulations.
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Kimi's contract is structured as a one-year extension through 2026, which was confirmed in late 2025 after he showed enough flashes of brilliance in his rookie campaign. It's a classic Mercedes move: keep the base low, but make the performance upside huge.
Breaking Down the 2026 Earnings
- Base Salary: $2,000,000
- Performance Bonuses: Estimated up to $5,000,000 - $7,000,000
- Total Potential On-Track Earnings: ~$12,500,000
Basically, if Kimi starts winning races or lands on the podium consistently, his take-home pay skyrockets. Reports from his 2025 rookie season suggest he actually cleared over $12 million total because of bonuses. He finished P3 in Canada and P2 in a wild race in Brazil. Those podiums aren't just for trophies; they are massive paydays for a young driver.
Why Some Sources Say He's Worth $11 Million
You might see headlines claiming Kimi Antonelli has a net worth of $11.5 million. That’s not a typo.
His wealth isn't just coming from his Mercedes paycheck. It’s the endorsements. Brands are tripping over themselves to sign him because he’s the face of the "new generation."
He’s already got massive deals with Adidas, IWC Schaffhausen, and Police Lifestyle. When you see him walking into the paddock wearing a specific watch or those branded sunglasses, that’s money in the bank. Most of these deals are facilitated through Mercedes, but as he builds his own "Kimi" brand, he’ll start signing personal contracts that don't have to be split with the team.
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Honestly, he’s probably the most marketable Italian athlete since Valentino Rossi. Being the first Italian in a top-tier F1 seat in decades is a license to print money in Europe.
The Rookie Scale: How Kimi Compares
In the world of F1 rookies, there's Kimi, and then there's everyone else. Usually, a rookie enters the sport making about $500,000 to $1 million. Look at guys like Oliver Bearman at Haas or Jack Doohan at Alpine; they are reportedly in that **$1 million** range.
Kimi starting at $2 million base (and potentially hitting $12M with bonuses) proves how much Toto Wolff believes in him. Mercedes didn't just give him a seat; they gave him a "star-track" contract.
The "Toto Wolff" Factor
Toto Wolff has been Kimi’s biggest hype man since the kid was in karts. This relationship is key to understanding how much does Kimi Antonelli make.
Toto isn't just a team principal; he’s a businessman. He knows that by grooming Kimi early, he secures a top-tier talent for a fraction of the market rate for the next three to four years. If Kimi becomes the next Max Verstappen, Mercedes will eventually have to pay him $50 million a year. But for now, they have a "bargain" superstar.
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It’s a high-pressure situation, though. That $2 million base salary comes with the expectation that you don't bin the car. Every time Kimi crashes—like that famous practice accident at Monza—it costs the team hundreds of thousands in repairs. In F1, your salary is often measured against the "repair bill" you generate.
What’s Next for Kimi’s Bank Account?
If you're tracking Kimi's career, the next two years are the "wealth-building" phase.
- Contract Renegotiation: If he outperforms George Russell in 2026, expect a massive jump in 2027. We’re talking a move from $2 million to $10 million base almost overnight.
- Personal Merch: Kimi hasn't fully leaned into his own clothing line or personal ventures yet. Most of his gear is Mercedes-branded. Once he launches "Kimi 12" (or whatever number he settles on long-term), his off-track income will double.
- The Italian Premium: Ferrari will always be looming. If Kimi stays at Mercedes, they’ll have to pay him a premium to keep him from "going home" to Maranello.
Basically, Kimi is currently "F1 rich" but not "F1 wealthy." He’s making enough to buy any car he wants, but he’s not yet at the level where he can buy the dealership.
If you want to keep an eye on his trajectory, watch the podiums. In the world of Mercedes contracts, a P1 finish is usually worth a six-figure bonus. Every time he sprays champagne, his net worth ticks up significantly.
Actionable Insights for F1 Fans:
- Watch the Bonus Structure: When Kimi finishes in the Top 5, he’s likely earning more in that single weekend than his base salary pays in a month.
- Follow the Sponsors: New logos on his helmet usually mean a new seven-figure deal.
- Compare to the Grid: Check the salary standings mid-season; if Kimi is outperforming drivers making 10x his salary, his leverage for 2027 becomes massive.