Kim Kardashian caused a stir at the Monaco Grand Prix, and her behaviour went far beyond stealing towels and ignoring broadcasting legends. The reality star, dressed in a figure-hugging, backless Gucci cream dress, turned what was meant to be a celebration of Lewis Hamilton's record-equalling eighth podium finish into a spectacle of diva antics.
Pre-race chaos
During the pre-race build-up, Kim and her security team barged past race fans Holly Willoughby and Michael McIntyre while they were being interviewed in the paddock. She also snubbed F1 legend Martin Brundle when he tried to interview her on the start grid. The moment was captured on film, with Holly and Michael left gobsmacked as their interview was disrupted, and shouts of "mind out!" could be heard as Kim's minders stormed past.
Post-race controversy
After Hamilton's surprise second-place finish, Kim turned spoilsport by ducking under an umbrella to avoid being splashed with celebratory champagne. She also whipped the towel laid out for race winner Kimi Antonelli to dry himself with, using it to wipe her sunglasses before walking off with it.
Wags horrified
The 45-year-old's diva ways riled fellow drivers' wives and girlfriends, sparking calls for her to be banned from the exclusive paddock and grid areas at future F1 races. A trackside source said: "Kim's behaviour might pass in LA but the Europeans see it differently. The day should have been about the drivers, but it became the Kim K circus." The source added that Alexandra Leclerc, wife of Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, was clearly unimpressed by her new trackside companion, and Kim's body language towards her was verging on rude.
Dress code controversy
Kim's Gucci dress also sparked discussion, as Gucci had recently become the first luxury fashion house to partner with an F1 team, launching Gucci Racing Alpine. An insider said: "The timing of Kim wearing Gucci can't have been a coincidence. In fact she's been wearing the brand a lot since she started dating Lewis."
Mixed reactions
While Michael McIntyre saw the funny side, joking about being struck by Kim's famous backside, others were far from amused. Another source said: "Some of the other Wags thought Kim totally took over Monaco. It's like the circus came to town. Even the F1 Instagram account was posting about her. Many of the drivers' wives and girlfriends are influencers, and races are their opportunity to shine. But all anyone spoke about was Kim."
Race-goers noted that after Kim barged her way into centre stage, no one was talking to her, as she was moved swiftly from one place to another by her huge team. The Hollywood hoopla was in full swing, but Kim had clearly failed to do her homework on paddock and grid etiquette, leaving those in the sport's inner circle blowing gaskets left, right, and centre.
