Solved

Initial Salary for Youth Academy scouted drivers

I just scouted what I think might be a decent driver with good talent relative to my level. I'm tempted to promote him to reserve driver in my team, but the only thing that holds me back is what his starting salary might be.
Is it gonna be 100k like 1 star drivers, or is it linked to the driver's talent/other stats?

It will be low; close to the price of a 1star driver

I've just recruited a talent 8, salary 313k if that's any help

Driver's initial salary is based on their level, not talent or any other attributes, just level. Drivers from the Youth Academy only ever start at level 5, or in some cases 4, which is around 300k base salary. Renewing their contracts also give the usual 10% increase from base salary regardless of how much they've leveled up.