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Championship Incentive and 2026 Earnings
Fresh from being crowned champion on Sunday at the Mexico Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli stands to receive a substantial financial payout alongside his sporting success. According to estimates published by French outlet Sportune, which drew on data from Business Book GP, the 20-year-old Mercedes driver's contract includes a 20 million euro bonus for capturing the title. Combined with an estimated base annual salary of six million euros, Antonelli's total potential earnings for 2026 could reach 26 million euros, marking a steep climb from his estimated nine million euro income during the 2025 season.
Mercedes Driver Earnings Comparison
Despite Antonelli becoming the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history, Sportune projected that George Russell could remain the highest-earning driver in the Mercedes duo. Russell is estimated to collect approximately 35 million euros in 2026, surpassing the newly crowned champion's prospective 26 million euro total even when factoring in the title-winning incentive. These figures reflect how Grand Prix remuneration often rewards contract agreements, established experience, and negotiated value rather than track results alone, though the reported sums stem from specialist estimates and have not been confirmed by Mercedes.
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Decision to Keep Number 12
While his title success has opened the door to major financial rewards, Antonelli has decided against switching to number 1 on his car for 2027. The Mercedes driver confirmed that he will continue competing under his traditional number 12, giving up the number traditionally reserved for the reigning champion. His choice was guided by admiration for Ayrton Senna as well as personal superstition. Speaking after his triumph in Mexico, Antonelli explained that 12 carries special meaning and helps him stay grounded, adding that he wants to approach 2027 as a fresh start without becoming carried away by success.
Superstition and Numbering Precedents
Superstition played a significant part in the decision, with Antonelli acknowledging that racing with number 1 had not brought him good fortune. The Italian driver noted having had bad experiences every time he used that number in past competition. By declining the champion's number, Antonelli follows the precedent set by Lewis Hamilton, who retained his trademark number 44 across his multiple title-winning campaigns with Mercedes rather than taking the number 1.
Tribute to Senna and Helmet Design
Number 12 also reinforces a profound symbolic connection to Senna, who drove under the numeral during his tenures at Lotus and McLaren, including his first championship victory in 1988. Thirty-eight years later, Antonelli took his own crown displaying that identical number, though unlike the Brazilian icon—who took number 1 after his first championship—Antonelli preferred to preserve his identity. The number also carries personal milestones: Antonelli has run 12 since his Formula 4 debut, and he was 12 years old when he joined the Mercedes junior programme. To deepen that tribute, Antonelli plans to wear a specially designed commemorative Senna helmet at the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos.
Wolff Praise and Long-Term Faith
For Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, Antonelli's rapid ascent represents personal vindication after taking the gamble of promoting the junior protégé to replace Hamilton two seasons ago. Wolff commended the young Italian's maturity, modesty, respect for others, and ability to stay true to his values under pressure. Having guided the driver through the team's development ranks since childhood, Wolff saw the sophomore racer deliver an immediate title, justifying the faith of those who believed in him as Antonelli prepares for 2027 with new financial standing and his cherished number 12 intact.
