Kim Kardashian and Kimi Antonelli Revive 'Towel-Gate' in Singapore

Kim Kardashian and Mercedes championship leader Kimi Antonelli shared a lighthearted moment at the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix, reviving the "Towel-Gate" meme that has become a recurring theme of the season. The interaction occurred on the Singapore Airlines red carpet, highlighting the intersection of global celebrity culture and F1's new generation of talent.

Why it matters:

Beyond the viral humor, the saga underscores the immense popularity of Kimi Antonelli in his breakout season. As the championship leader, Antonelli's ability to handle the spotlight—both on and off the track—is a key part of his ascent, while the paddock's embrace of high-profile celebrity figures continues to broaden F1's global reach.

The details:

• Origins: The joke began at the Monaco Grand Prix when Kardashian accidentally used Antonelli's podium cool-down towel to wipe her sunglasses after his victory.
• The Resolution: The "feud" was partially settled before the Barcelona-Catalunya GP when Kardashian gifted the Italian driver a custom-embroidered replacement towel.
• Singapore Interaction: During the red carpet event, Kardashian jokingly told Antonelli, "Nooo, Kimi, I don't dare to touch your towel this time."

The big picture:

The off-track levity stood in contrast to the actual race results at Marina Bay. Antonelli overcame extreme heat and severe tire degradation to secure a P3 finish, further solidifying his lead in the standings. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, whom Kardashian supports at Ferrari, suffered a late-race strategy blunder and a missed pit entry, resulting in a frustrating P6 finish.

What's next:

All eyes now turn to the United States Grand Prix in Austin. With Antonelli mathematically positioned to clinch the World Drivers' Championship in Texas, the paddock is curious to see if Kardashian will attend to ensure the future champion's towels remain secure.