Antonelli Could Be the "Cheapest" Champion

Formula 1 championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli could potentially become the "cheapest" world champion in the sport's recent history. This is due to the relatively modest salary of the Italian driver, who is in his second full season with Mercedes and made his debut for the team in 2025, replacing the departing Lewis Hamilton.

According to unconfirmed reports, Antonelli's salary this year is $2 million, which is significantly less than what top stars like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, and current world champion Lando Norris earn.

Antonelli's current contract runs until the end of the 2027 season, with his initial agreement only covering the 2025 season. However, it is widely speculated that Mercedes will announce a new contract with Antonelli, featuring much improved financial terms, even before the end of the current season.

Unconfirmed information suggests that Mercedes' other driver, George Russell, commands a salary of $34 million, plus an additional $16 million in potential bonuses and incentives for victories and a championship title.

For Antonelli, potential bonuses are estimated at $12 million, meaning a total of $14 million if he successfully concludes the season and secures the world championship title.

Current world champion Lando Norris earned a salary of $20 million during his championship-winning season in 2025, with additional bonuses for the title at the end of the campaign.