Full Breakdown
Kim Kardashian’s Towel Mix-up at Monaco Grand Prix
6/14/2026, 12:14:27 PM
The Incident on the Podium
During the post-race celebrations of the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, a white towel near the winners’ podium, intended for 19-year-old Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, was used by reality star Kim Kardashian to wipe her face. The clip went viral, prompting a light-hearted response from Antonelli and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team.
Antonelli’s Victory and Kardashian’s F1 Presence
Antonelli won the Monaco Grand Prix, becoming the youngest driver to do so and leading the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship standings. Kardashian attended to support boyfriend, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, marking an early appearance in the F1 paddock.
Key Players
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli – 19-year-old Mercedes driver, Monaco winner.
- Kim Kardashian – 45-year-old media personality, dating Lewis Hamilton.
- Lewis Hamilton – 41-year-old seven-time world champion, publicly acknowledged Kardashian’s support.
- Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team – posted a comedic Instagram video referencing the missing towel.
Timeline of Events
- June 7, 2026 – Monaco GP ends; Kardashian seen with the towel.
- June 11 – Antonelli posts an Instagram video asking, “I was wondering, have you seen my towel?” and later thanks Kardashian after receiving a replacement.
- June 12 – F1’s Instagram shares a video of Antonelli receiving a new white towel embroidered “To Kimi from Kim.”
- June 13 – Footage from the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix shows the exchange.
Official Statements & Responses
Mercedes-AMG Petronas posted a playful Instagram video of Antonelli and teammate George Russell searching for the missing towel, framing the incident as a joke. Hamilton, speaking after the race, said, “It’s amazing to have her come this weekend and have her support,” and added that “good people…supporting you…she does that for me every day.” Kardashian later gave Antonelli a personalized towel embroidered “To Kimi from Kim.”
Criticism & Opposition
Social-media users called the episode a “savage takedown” and “trolling” of Kardashian, while others saw it as a harmless viral moment, reflecting polarized views on celebrity involvement in sport.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the towel hand-over setting: some place it at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, others cite a June 12 delivery unrelated to a race weekend. No official clarification has been issued.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was wondering, have you seen my towel?” — Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Instagram video
- “Thank you Kim!” — Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Instagram video
- “It’s amazing to have her come this weekend and have her support.” — Lewis Hamilton, press conference
- “ Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton (via The Mirror) He then added, “It’s amazing to have good people around you, and good people supporting you, and you know, she does that for me every day.” — Lewis Hamilton, press conference
- “savage takedown” — fans, as reported in coverage
What’s Next
The next race weekend at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit will feature further social-media engagement from both the driver and the celebrity, potentially extending the dialogue around athlete-celebrity interactions in Formula 1.
