The moment Kim Kardashian steals F1 Monaco GP winner Kimi Antonelli’s towel
The 2026 Monaco Grand Prix delivered plenty of drama on the track, but one of the most talked-about moments of the weekend happened away from the racing action. Reality television star and businesswoman Kim Kardashian found herself at the center of a social media storm after cameras appeared to capture her taking a towel that had been placed for race winner Kimi Antonelli following his historic victory in Monte Carlo.
The incident occurred shortly after the race had concluded. Antonelli had just completed another remarkable performance, securing victory on the streets of Monaco and further strengthening his position as Formula 1’s rising star. The young Mercedes driver became the youngest winner in Monaco Grand Prix history and celebrated his fifth consecutive race victory, an achievement that has elevated him into serious championship contention.
As preparations were being made for the podium ceremony, a video clip showed Kardashian walking through an area near the podium where towels had been laid out for the top finishers. One towel, positioned on the winner’s stand, was reportedly intended for Antonelli after the physically demanding race. The footage appeared to show Kardashian picking up the towel and using it to wipe her face and sunglasses before continuing on her way. The moment was quickly shared across social media platforms and sparked immediate debate among Formula 1 fans.
While the act itself may have lasted only a few seconds, the reaction online was anything but brief. Many fans criticized Kardashian’s actions, arguing that items prepared for drivers should be left untouched. Some viewed the incident as disrespectful to Antonelli and the traditions surrounding a Formula 1 podium ceremony. Others questioned whether she realized the towel had been specifically placed for the race winner.
Social media quickly became divided. Critics described the moment as another example of celebrities receiving special treatment within the sport, while others argued that the reaction was exaggerated and that the towel was unlikely to be used after the podium celebrations had begun. Discussions spread across fan forums and online communities, with thousands weighing in on what many considered an unusual controversy.
The towel incident was not the only reason Kardashian generated headlines during the Monaco weekend. Earlier in the event, she attracted attention when she appeared to ignore veteran broadcaster Martin Brundle during his famous pre-race grid walk interview segment. That moment had already sparked criticism from some Formula 1 supporters before the towel controversy emerged.
Kardashian attended the Monaco Grand Prix to support seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who produced one of his strongest performances of the season. Hamilton finished second behind Antonelli and later spoke positively about having Kardashian present throughout the weekend. The Ferrari driver praised the support he received from friends and family during the event, describing it as a valuable boost during an intense race weekend.
Unfortunately for Kardashian, much of the post-race conversation shifted away from Hamilton’s podium finish and Antonelli’s historic triumph. Instead, attention turned toward the viral clip, with media outlets and fans continuing to debate whether the moment was a harmless misunderstanding or an unnecessary breach of etiquette.
For Antonelli, however, the controversy did little to overshadow what was one of the greatest achievements of his young career. The Italian teenager demonstrated exceptional composure under pressure to conquer Formula 1’s most prestigious circuit and further establish himself as one of the sport’s brightest talents. His stunning Monaco victory remained the biggest sporting story of the weekend, even as the towel incident generated headlines around the world.
Whether fans view the episode as a minor misunderstanding or a major faux pas, the incident has become one of the most unexpected talking points from an unforgettable Monaco Grand Prix weekend. What began as a routine post-race moment ultimately transformed into a viral story that once again highlighted the unique intersection of celebrity culture and Formula 1.