The 2026 Monaco Grand Prix made history for more than one reason. While young Kimi Antonelli, from Mercedes, became the youngest winner of the race after a chaotic race, a video of Kim Kardashian wearing a towel reserved for the podium gained repercussion on the networks.
The reality show star was in the Principality accompanying her boyfriend Lewis Hamilton, who races for Ferrari and finished the race in second place. Along with her sister Khloé Kardashian and her friend Simon Huck, Kim circulated around the paddock and the grid, attracting attention from the fans and the media.
During the walk through the grid, veteran reporter Martin Brundle tried to interview her, as he traditionally does with personalities present. Kim smiled, but did not answer questions and continued talking to the group, which generated criticism from Formula 1 fans who considered the gesture dismissive.
The moment that had the most impact, however, happened after the podium ceremony. In a video shared on Reddit and other platforms, Kim appears picking up a towel that was prepared for winner Kimi Antonelli. The piece, placed on a specific table for the top three finishers, is used for drivers to cool off after getting out of the car, before going up to the podium.
Kimi Antonelli makes history in Monaco
At 19 years old, Italian Kimi Antonelli dominated the most prestigious race on the calendar. He started on pole, led from start to finish despite a hectic finish with red flags and safety cars, and crossed the finish line ahead of Hamilton. It was the Mercedes driver’s fifth consecutive victory of the season.
The race had seven retirements and a dramatic end, with Antonelli staying calm to hold off pressure from Hamilton in the final laps. The podium was completed by Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar.
Reaction on the networks and the debate about celebrities
The towel video generated a wave of comments. Many internet users questioned the attitude, seeing it as an example of a sense of entitlement on the part of rich and famous figures. Phrases like “rich people think everything is theirs” circulated a lot.
Others argued that it was a misunderstanding in a busy environment, with Kim simply asking the staff for something and being given the nearest towel. The episode reignited discussions about the contrast between the glamorous world of celebrities and the technical and meritocratic culture of Formula 1.
Hamilton, in turn, publicly praised his girlfriend’s support during the weekend, highlighting how important her presence was after yet another podium.
What the case reveals
Situations like this show how the presence of big stars outside the sport tends to generate friction with part of the traditional F1 fan base, which values protocols and a focus on the drivers. At the same time, the visibility brought by names like Kim helps expand the sport’s reach to new audiences.
So far, neither Kim Kardashian nor her team have commented on the towel video.
