Fresh off his stunning victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli found himself at the center of an unusual post-race moment—one that had nothing to do with racing performance and everything to do with local laws.
Despite standing proudly on the top step of the podium after another brilliant drive, the teenage sensation was unable to fully take part in one of Formula 1’s most iconic traditions: the celebratory champagne spray. The reason? Quite simply, Antonelli is not yet old enough to legally consume alcohol in Japan.
At 19 years old, the Mercedes driver has already made history as the youngest championship leader the sport has ever seen. However, Japanese law sets the legal drinking age at 20, meaning Antonelli will have to wait a few more months before he can legally enjoy champagne in the country. While the age of adulthood in Japan was lowered to 18 in 2022, alcohol consumption laws remain unchanged, creating this unique situation for the young race winner.
During the podium celebrations, Antonelli still joined fellow podium finishers Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc, but with a noticeable twist. Instead of the traditional bottles of Moët & Chandon champagne used in Formula 1 celebrations, Antonelli was handed an unlabelled bottle believed to contain a non-alcoholic substitute—likely sparkling rose water or a similar alternative often used in countries with alcohol restrictions.
Meanwhile, Piastri and Leclerc had no such limitations. Both drivers enthusiastically sprayed their champagne in celebration, even directing some of it toward Antonelli, who could only laugh along and join the moment in his own way. The lighthearted scene highlighted the contrast between his extraordinary achievements on track and the everyday reality of still being a teenager.
The situation didn’t go unnoticed by commentators either. During the broadcast, Sky Sports commentator David Croft pointed out the irony of the moment, noting that the only downside of winning at such a young age is not being able to enjoy the traditional champagne celebration. He also drew attention to Antonelli’s bottle, which lacked the usual branding, confirming suspicions that it contained a non-alcoholic alternative.
Alongside him, former F1 driver Jenson Button added to the discussion, jokingly questioning whether Antonelli’s fellow podium finishers were still allowed to spray champagne around him despite his age. The exchange added a humorous tone to what was otherwise a historic and impressive day for the young driver.
While it may seem like a small detail, the moment perfectly encapsulated the unique position Antonelli finds himself in. On one hand, he is competing—and winning—at the highest level of motorsport. On the other, he is still navigating the legal and social boundaries that come with being under 20 in certain parts of the world.
Ultimately, the lack of champagne did little to dampen Antonelli’s achievement. His dominant performance at Suzuka further cemented his status as one of the sport’s brightest rising stars and reinforced his position at the top of the championship standings.
And while he may have missed out on the real champagne this time, there’s little doubt that many more podium celebrations—and plenty of opportunities to spray the genuine article—lie ahead in his rapidly rising Formula 1 career.