Mercedes could pay Kimi Antonelli nearly $11 million in 2026 as the Italian moves closer to his first Formula 1 world championship. According to German newspaper Bild, his total earnings could reach just under €10 million ($11 million), which includes his base salary ($2 million) and performance bonuses.
The potential payout comes as the 20-year-old prepares for the Mexico City Grand Prix, where he could make history. “It was the result we needed, to be fair, and the whole team deserved it so much,” Antonelli said after winning the United States Grand Prix on October 25.
The victory moved him closer to the title, although results involving his closest rivals meant he could not secure the championship in Austin.
Kimi Antonelli’s Breakthrough Season With Mercedes
Antonelli joined Mercedes’ junior programme in 2019 and earned a full-time race seat in 2025 after Lewis Hamilton moved to Ferrari. Team principal Toto Wolff backed the young Italian despite the pressure of replacing a seven-time world champion.
His first season brought challenges as he adjusted to racing at the highest level. However, Mercedes kept its faith in him and retained him for 2026. That decision has paid off, with Antonelli now leading the drivers’ standings and closing in on his maiden title.
His latest victory in Austin was his ninth Grand Prix win of the season. Starting from pole position, he took control early and maintained his lead, finishing ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
The result also strengthened Mercedes’ position in the championship battle. However, teammate George Russell finished eighth, while Hamilton took fourth place. Those results kept the title fight alive for at least another race.
Kimi Antonelli Needs Just Two Points to Win the Title
Antonelli heads to Mexico City with a 123-point lead over Russell and needs just two more points to secure the championship. With five rounds remaining after Austin, the Italian has a strong chance of settling the title fight at the next race.
If Russell wins in Mexico, Antonelli must finish ninth or higher to guarantee the championship. If Hamilton wins, the Mercedes driver needs to finish at least 10th. Should neither rival win the race, Antonelli can claim the title regardless of his finishing position.
Winning the championship would also make Antonelli the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history. He would be 20 years and 68 days old, beating Sebastian Vettel’s record. The German was 23 years and 133 days old when he won his first title in 2010.
Antonelli has already shown he can handle the pressure of a title fight, but the job is not finished. A points finish in Mexico could be enough to complete his rise from Mercedes junior driver to world champion.
The Mexico City Grand Prix now offers him the chance to secure the title and set a new record in Formula 1.
More F1 Reading
- “He Wants Her Back”: Fans Speculate After Lando Norris’ Instagram Slip-Up on Ex-Girlfriend’s Birthday
- From Meeting Lewis Hamilton to Podium Celebration Access: What $15,450 ‘House 44’ Ticket Gets at Mexico GP
- Days After Expressing Retirement Wish, Sergio Perez Signs Contract Extension With Cadillac
- F1 United States GP Hospitality: The $37,000 Gordon Ramsay Feast That Only 120 Ticket Holders Experienced
Comments
More in News
“He Wants Her Back”: Fans Speculate After Lando Norris’ Instagram Slip-Up on Ex-Girlfriend’s Birthday
From Meeting Lewis Hamilton to Podium Celebration Access: What $15,450 ‘House 44’ Ticket Gets at Mexico GP
Days After Expressing Retirement Wish, Sergio Perez Signs Contract Extension With Cadillac
F1 United States GP Hospitality: The $37,000 Gordon Ramsay Feast That Only 120 Ticket Holders Experienced
