Kimi Antonelli Celebrates Japanese GP Victory — But Faces Champagne Snub on the Podium
Kimi Antonelli added another remarkable chapter to his rapidly growing Formula 1 story with victory at the Japanese Grand Prix — yet his celebrations at Suzuka came with an unusual twist.
The teenage sensation crossed the line to secure his second consecutive win of the 2026 season, strengthening his grip at the top of the drivers’ standings. However, while he stood proudly on the podium alongside Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc, Antonelli was unable to take part in one of Formula 1’s most iconic traditions: the celebratory champagne spray.
The reason? Japan’s legal drinking age.
At just 19 years old, Antonelli is not yet old enough to consume alcohol in Japan, where the legal age is 20. As a result, although he lifted the winner’s trophy and soaked in the applause from the Suzuka crowd, he was not permitted to join his fellow podium finishers in spraying champagne over the celebrations.
It marked a stark contrast to the scenes in Shanghai two weeks earlier, where Antonelli had freely participated in the post-race festivities after his breakthrough triumph in China. But local laws differ from country to country, and in Japan, the regulations meant the young Italian had to sit out that particular ritual.
It is, perhaps, an unusual inconvenience that comes with rewriting the record books at such a young age. Antonelli has already etched his name into F1 history as one of the sport’s youngest race winners — and now, as the youngest-ever championship leader. Yet with those milestones come occasional reminders of his age.
The irony of leading the world championship while being too young to spray champagne on the podium was not lost on fans, who took to social media to highlight the moment. Still, the absence of bubbly did little to dampen the significance of the victory itself.
Antonelli’s composure on track at Suzuka underlined why he is regarded as one of the brightest talents in modern Formula 1. After navigating early challenges in the race, he controlled proceedings to secure a comfortable win and extend his points advantage in the standings.
By the time the F1 calendar returns to Japan next year, Antonelli will be old enough to fully embrace the podium tradition. For now, however, the young championship leader will have to settle for trophies, records — and perhaps a non-alcoholic celebration.