2025 is synonymous with renewal for Mercedes in Formula 1. A forced renewal since Lewis Hamilton, its star since 2013, has chosen to join Scuderia Ferrari. To succeed him, the German team has chosen to establish one of its young hopes: Andrea Kimi Antonelli. And with him, Mercedes will save a lot of money on his salary.
Mercedes reportedly paid Lewis Hamilton $57 million. 55 million for his annual salary and 2 million in bonuses corresponding to his results on the track. A colossal sum that the German team will no longer pay to its drivers in 2025. According to estimates from the Business Book GP site, George Russell will receive 12 million euros, excluding bonuses. It will be four times less for his new teammate, the Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The rookie signed a contract in which his remuneration would be set at 3 million euros.
The high range among rookies
This salary is one of the highest among rookies in 2025. It is equivalent to what Oliver Bearman will receive at Haas. But it's much more than Jack Doohan at Alpine, Isack Hadjar at Racing Bulls or Gabriel Bortoleto at Sauber. This salary does not concern the bonuses that the young man could obtain. They will be dependent on his results on the track. And then a relatively low salary will allow Mercedes to replace its driver if he does not meet expectations. Whether during the season or for the year 2026.
-Valtteri Bottas just in case…
Moreover, Mercedes has brought Valtteri Bottas back into its ranks. Free from any contract after his departure from Sauber, the Finn signed this winter as a reserve driver. We say that in the event of Antonelli's failure, Lewis Hamilton's former teammate will be able to take over. He already knows the team, the car and has enough experience to assist George Russell.
