For the first time, Kim Kardashian attended a Formula 1 race weekend to support Lewis Hamilton from inside the paddock. However, her debut at the Monaco Grand Prix generated plenty of discussion, with several moments attracting criticism from fans and media alike.
Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton chose Formula 1’s most glamorous event for their first official appearance together at a Grand Prix. The American entrepreneur and media personality arrived in Monte Carlo accompanied by her sister Khloé Kardashian and a large security team that remained close to her throughout the weekend.
She arrived in the Principality on Saturday for qualifying and stayed through Sunday’s race, which ended with Lewis Hamilton securing an impressive second-place finish behind race winner Kimi Antonelli.
While her unexpected presence immediately became one of the talking points of the weekend, controversy soon followed. Her official debut as Lewis Hamilton’s partner in the Formula 1 paddock was accompanied by a number of awkward moments and criticism from some fans, who felt that certain actions showed a lack of familiarity with the traditions and etiquette of the sport.
Kim Kardashian joins Lewis Hamilton in Monaco
Wearing a cream-colored dress with an open-back design and her hair tied up, Kim Kardashian watched the Monaco Grand Prix from the grandstands. Interestingly, she was seated alongside Alexandra Leclerc as both followed Ferrari’s progress during the race.
Observers noted that there was little interaction between the two women, although a few exchanges and glances generated discussion on social media. Those conversations intensified in the closing stages of the race when Lewis Hamilton secured second place on the podium behind Kimi Antonelli.
One of the most widely shared moments came after the finish when Lewis Hamilton appeared to blow a kiss toward Kim Kardashian in front of the television cameras. The gesture quickly went viral and became one of the defining off-track moments of the Monaco weekend.
However, not all of the attention was positive. One incident that attracted criticism involved veteran Sky Sports reporter Martin Brundle. During his traditional grid walk, Brundle approached Kim Kardashian in an attempt to conduct a brief interview on camera. According to several observers, she appeared to ignore the approach while members of her security team prevented the interaction from taking place and escorted the reporter away.
The Kimi Antonelli towel controversy
While that incident already divided opinion among Formula 1 fans, the biggest controversy arrived after the podium celebrations.
As is tradition, Lewis Hamilton sprayed champagne during the celebrations and directed some of it toward Kim Kardashian in a playful attempt to involve her in the moment. However, the American celebrity appeared less than thrilled about being splashed, with champagne landing on both her face and outfit.
A celebrity at the Monaco Grand Prix picked up the towel left for race winner Andrea Kimi Antonelli and took it for herself. #F1 #MonacoGP #RaceFans pic.twitter.com/j44eHGOdYR
— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet) June 8, 2026
Shortly afterwards, she reportedly picked up a towel that had been placed near the podium area. Unaware of its purpose, she used it to dry herself and then carried it away.
The issue, according to many fans, was that the towel had been prepared for race winner Kimi Antonelli. It is common practice during Formula 1 podium ceremonies for towels to be provided so drivers can dry themselves after the champagne celebrations and remove sweat before post-race media duties.
As part of the standard podium protocol, the towel is normally reserved for the winning driver. Kim Kardashian, seemingly unaware of the tradition, was later seen holding the towel in photographs, unintentionally sparking another wave of criticism online.
Many fans viewed the incident as an innocent misunderstanding, while others considered it disrespectful toward Kimi Antonelli and an unnecessary distraction from the achievements of the drivers. Some also argued that partners and family members of Formula 1 drivers typically avoid becoming the center of attention during post-race celebrations.
Regardless of the debate, Kim Kardashian’s first Formula 1 appearance certainly did not go unnoticed. With her relationship with Lewis Hamilton now firmly in the spotlight, there is every possibility that she will attend more Grands Prix in the future, becoming a regular presence in the Formula 1 paddock and among the sport’s increasingly high-profile group of partners and celebrities.
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