Formula 1 leader Antonelli earns 35 times less than Verstappen: pilots' salaries

The Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli is leading the Formula 1 championship in 2026, but remains one of the lowest-paid drivers in the series. The base salary of the 20-year-old Mercedes driver is $2 million per season, while Max Verstappen earns $70 million. Previously, Antonelli led the Formula 1 championship after winning in Japan. This is reported by The National.

How much Kimi Antonelli earns at Mercedes in 2026

Antonelli is having the most successful season of his young career. At the home Grand Prix in Italy, he started only 19th, but managed to break through the pack and secure victory.

This is already the seventh stage won by the Italian in 13 rounds of the season. After his success in Monza, his lead in the personal standings increased to 66 points.

The result is particularly remarkable considering the qualification. The day before the race, Antonelli clocked the seventh fastest time, while Pierre Gasly sensationally took pole position. Due to an engine change, the Mercedes driver ultimately had to start from the back of the pack.

Despite leading the championship, Antonelli's base salary is only $2 million a year. This refers specifically to the guaranteed portion of the contract without bonuses for wins, podiums, points earned, and other sporting achievements.

In comparison, his teammate George Russell earns about $34 million per season. Thus, the British driver's base salary is 17 times higher.

A successful season could significantly change Antonelli's financial situation in the future. If the Italian maintains first place, he will have a chance to become the youngest Formula 1 world champion at the age of 20.

Formula 1 drivers' salaries: Verstappen earns $70 million

The highest base salary among drivers in the mentioned ranking belongs to Max Verstappen from Red Bull – $70 million a year. This is 35 times more than Antonelli's guaranteed amount.

Next is Lewis Hamilton from Ferrari with a salary of $60 million. His teammate Charles Leclerc earns about $34–36 million, while George Russell earns $34 million.

The base salary of Lando Norris from McLaren is estimated at $30 million. At the other end of the ranking, along with Antonelli is Gabriel Bortoleto from Audi – $2 million.

Even less are earned by Oliver Bearman, Franco Colapinto, and Arvid Lindblad. The base salary for each of them is estimated at about $1 million per season.

The mentioned figures do not reflect the total income of the athletes. The National notes that these are base salaries without bonuses. The data is collected based on information from F1Salaries and RacingNews365.

The contrast between Antonelli's results and his salary is particularly striking in the 2026 season. The Italian has already won multiple times, and after the Monaco Grand Prix became the youngest Grand Slam holder in the history of Formula 1.