Formula 1's rising star: Kimi Antonelli © ANSA / Siu Wu

Kim & Kimi: Happy ending in towel gate

Kimi Antonelli celebrated his victory at the Monaco Grand Prix last Sunday. However, a completely different topic has dominated Formula 1 discussions in recent days.

June 13, 2026

From: dpa

A white towel is making a name for itself in Formula 1. It all started just under a week ago in Monaco. Media personality Kim Kardashian was cheering on Ferrari superstar Lewis Hamilton at the Grand Prix in the principality.

Following Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli's fifth consecutive victory, a video went viral showing Kardashian at the track taking what appeared to be a white towel intended for winner Antonelli.

Antonelli takes it with humor

The incident, dubbed "Towel-Gate," was mocked on social media. In Barcelona, ​​Antonelli reportedly received a special delivery. During a training session in his Mercedes team's garage, the young Italian was presented with a white towel adorned with a ribbon.


"For Kimi from Kim," it read, embroidered on it. "Thank you, Kim," Antonelli said, laughing, in the video released by Formula 1 itself. The championship leader then untied the ribbon of the fake Kardashian gift, draped the towel over his shoulders, and rode off on his scooter.