Becoming a Formula 1 world champion usually comes with fame, fortune, luxury and a completely different lifestyle. But for the sport’s newest history-maker, winning the biggest prize in motorsport has apparently done very little to change the way his family treats him.
At just 20 years old, Mercedes sensation Kimi Antonelli has achieved what millions of aspiring racing drivers dream about. His third-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix secured the 2026 Drivers’ Championship, making him the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history.
Italy has celebrated his extraordinary achievement, Mercedes has secured another defining moment in its history, and Antonelli has become one of the biggest names in international motorsport.
Yet behind the celebrations and enormous financial rewards, there is reportedly one family tradition that has remained unchanged. According to Italian newspaper Il Giornale, Antonelli’s mother, Veronica, still gives him a weekly allowance despite his extraordinary success.
ANTONELLI’S MOTHER STILL TREATS HIM LIKE HER LITTLE BOY
For most people, becoming a millionaire at 20 would mean saying goodbye to pocket money forever.
But Antonelli’s mother reportedly has a different approach.
According to the report, Veronica continues to give her son his weekly allowance and affectionately refers to him as her “little mouse.”
It is a heartwarming detail that offers a glimpse into the family environment behind one of Formula 1’s biggest success stories.
While the world now recognises Antonelli as a record-breaking champion, his mother apparently continues to see the young boy she raised long before the international attention arrived.
That relationship could be one of the reasons the Mercedes driver has maintained a reputation for humility despite achieving extraordinary success at such a young age.
The transition from teenage prospect to world champion can be overwhelming, particularly when fame arrives before adulthood is fully established.
Having a family that continues to treat him normally may provide an important source of stability.
HOW MUCH DOES KIMI ANTONELLI EARN AT MERCEDES?
Antonelli reportedly earns approximately £3 million annually through his Mercedes contract, according to the GPFans report.
That figure is already substantial for a driver who has only recently completed his second Formula 1 season.
However, his financial rewards could increase significantly following his championship triumph.
The report estimates that championship-related bonuses could be worth around $12 million, approximately £9 million.
Such figures demonstrate how quickly a successful Formula 1 career can transform a young driver’s financial position.
Drivers at the highest level can earn money through salaries, performance incentives, sponsorship agreements and commercial partnerships.
For Antonelli, becoming world champion at 20 could open doors to opportunities extending far beyond his existing Mercedes contract.
Nevertheless, the report suggests that he has not allowed his growing wealth to become the centre of his lifestyle.
THE MILLIONS HAVE NOT TURNED HIM INTO A DIFFERENT PERSON
One of the most interesting aspects of Antonelli’s story is the reported simplicity of his everyday life.
Despite his growing wealth and global recognition, he is said to enjoy ordinary activities such as visiting bars with friends to watch sport, going to supermarkets and cinemas, and taking his cars to commercial car washes.
These details may seem insignificant, but they offer an interesting contrast to the luxurious world surrounding Formula 1.
The championship is filled with private jets, expensive properties, luxury watches and exclusive events.
For a young driver suddenly exposed to that environment, remaining connected to ordinary life can be difficult.
Antonelli’s reported habits suggest that his family background has helped him maintain a sense of normality.
His approach is particularly interesting because he has achieved something that could easily encourage excessive confidence or a sense of entitlement.
Instead, the young champion appears to have maintained the same interests and personal relationships that existed before his historic breakthrough.
TOTO WOLFF BELIEVES ANTONELLI REPRESENTS A NEW GENERATION OF F1 DRIVERS
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been particularly enthusiastic about Antonelli’s character.
Following the championship triumph, Wolff praised the young Italian for representing values he believes should be encouraged throughout Formula 1.
He argued that the traditional image of a ruthless, selfish driver who prioritises personal success above everything else should no longer define the sport.
Wolff highlighted humility, integrity, loyalty, respect and authenticity as qualities that make Antonelli an example for younger drivers.
His comments were also a subtle criticism of certain behaviours he believes have become too common in Formula 1.
Wolff specifically referenced drivers who complain excessively over team radio, make unnecessary mistakes or prioritise themselves at the expense of others.
His message was clear: Antonelli’s achievement is impressive, but the manner in which he has conducted himself is equally important.
For Mercedes, having a young world champion who can serve as a positive ambassador for the team is a major advantage.
WHY ANTONELLI’S AGE MAKES HIS SUCCESS EVEN MORE IMPRESSIVE
Winning a Formula 1 championship requires much more than natural speed.
Drivers must manage enormous pressure, communicate effectively with engineers, understand complicated technical information and make critical decisions at speeds exceeding 300 kilometres per hour.
Antonelli has demonstrated an ability to handle those responsibilities despite being only 20.
His Mexican Grand Prix result secured a championship that had been built through an extraordinary season of consistency and race-winning performances.
The achievement also ended Italy’s 73-year wait for another Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion.
Alberto Ascari was the last Italian to win the title, achieving the feat in 1952 and 1953.
Antonelli has now brought that distinction back to Italy, creating a new generation of supporters who see Mercedes as the home of their national hero.
His success could have a lasting impact on Italian motorsport, encouraging more young people to pursue careers in racing.
THE PRESSURE OF BEING A WORLD CHAMPION STARTS NOW
While Antonelli’s championship victory has delivered an unforgettable moment, the next stage of his career could be even more challenging.
Winning a first title is one achievement. Defending it while facing the expectations of an entire team and millions of supporters is another.
His rivals will now study his strengths and weaknesses more closely, while Mercedes will expect him to continue delivering championship-level performances.
The attention surrounding him will also increase.
Every difficult race, mistake or disappointing qualifying session could attract headlines because the expectations attached to a reigning champion are considerably higher.
That is where his family environment could become especially valuable.
Maintaining strong relationships outside the paddock can help drivers deal with the pressure that comes with global recognition.
Antonelli’s reported relationship with his mother suggests that, regardless of his achievements, he still has people around him who see him as more than a Formula 1 superstar.
ANTONELLI’S BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT MAY BE STAYING GROUNDED
There is no question that Antonelli’s 2026 championship has changed his life financially and professionally.
He is now one of the most important figures in Formula 1, a world champion and a driver whose future will attract enormous attention.
But the story about his mother’s weekly allowance has revealed something beyond the statistics and trophies.
It highlights the importance of family, humility and maintaining personal connections even when success arrives at an extraordinary speed.
For Mercedes, Antonelli represents the future of the team. For Italy, he is the driver who ended a historic championship drought.
For his mother, however, he is apparently still her little mouse.
And perhaps that is exactly the kind of grounding a 20-year-old world champion needs as he begins the biggest chapter of his Formula 1 career.
