Kim Kardashian’s first Formula One race in Monaco has ignited a split reaction in the paddock—fuelled by her moment with Martin Brundle, fresh photos of her celebrating with Lewis Hamilton after the Ferrari driver finished second, and mounting talk about how h
When Kim Kardashian stepped into the Monaco GP atmosphere for her first Formula One race, it didn’t take long for the paddock to start circling back to the same story—her brief, public exchange with reporter Martin Brundle before the action even began.
The 45-year-old reality star was on the grid with sister Khloe when Brundle—famed for his pre-race walkabouts and live interviews with celebrities—approached them on live TV. Brundle noticed Kim and Khloe. moved in for a moment. and both looked at him and turned away before seemingly encouraging their entourage to move him along. In the F1 paddock, insiders have branded the episode “classless,” and the fallout has followed Kardashian into the evening.
That same night. after Lewis Hamilton—41—finished second for Ferrari. Kardashian joined him on his luxury yacht off the coast of the French Riviera. Photos described in the report show the couple hugging and kissing in the evening sun. She had even changed out of her dress while Hamilton was still in his red Ferrari polo shirt and cap. Khloe was there too.
At the centre of the tension is what Kardashian’s arrival is doing to the social order in Formula One. One insider described “a sense that she is stealing the show. ” saying some of the ladies around the paddock are competing to be friendly while others feel upstaged. That insider said Kardashian “doesn’t really care if the other girls don’t like her. ” adding that some teams have reached out to arrange lunches. and that she is open but focused on Lewis.
But another source framed the broader reaction as more mixed—because Formula One is already a world of enormous wealth. big personalities. and bigger egos. and Kardashian’s presence brings a new kind of attention that others may not be prepared for. Some people “couldn’t care less” and stick to their own circles. while others. the report says. see value in being close to her for the access and influence that can come with it.
The Brundle incident sits at the heart of the criticism. “Things shifted once word spread about her interaction—or lack of one—with Martin Brundle. ” a second insider said. adding that among many regulars. the moment was viewed as “pretty classless.” And even where the reception is uneven. the question now turns toward timing: what happens the next time she is at a race. when more eyes are guaranteed to be on her.
Some observers are also taking the view that the moment reflects poorly on Hamilton “by association.” Hamilton’s standing. inside and outside the sport. is already a subject of conversation. The Brit is a seven-time world champion. pursuing one more championship to edge Michael Schumacher and become the most decorated driver in the history of Formula One. But his last world title came in 2020. and he is chasing an eighth that is currently far from reach: he trails runaway leader Kimi Antonelli by 66 points in the drivers’ standings.
In that context. there is discussion about whether the high-profile romance has helped Hamilton regain attention that may have slipped in recent years. The report says some wonder whether the Kardashian factor has made people talk about Hamilton for “different reasons.” It also notes that some in his world aren’t necessarily questioning the relationship itself. but are asking what initially drew him to it.
The logic, as described, is simple: for years, Hamilton commanded attention for what he was accomplishing on the track. Now. the belief among some is that being linked to someone as famous as Kim brings him back into the broader conversation—visibility that extends beyond racing. That. the insider said. is why many think Hamilton would be fine with Kim being around as much as she wants. because the spotlight follows her everywhere.
For now, the story moves to what happens next on the calendar. As the talk continues inside Monaco’s spotlight, Hamilton is set to head to Barcelona this weekend for the next Grand Prix on Sunday, June 14.
Kim Kardashian Lewis Hamilton Monaco Grand Prix Martin Brundle Ferrari Khloe Kardashian Alexandra Leclerc Charles Leclerc F1 WAGs Kimi Antonelli Barcelona Grand Prix