Kim Kardashian attended her first Formula One race at the Monaco Grand Prix over the weekend, sparking controversy after she reportedly snubbed veteran broadcaster Martin Brundle during his pre-race grid walk. The reality star, who is dating Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton, has drawn mixed reactions from insiders and other WAGs, according to Daily Mail reporting. As Hamilton finished second and celebrated with Kardashian on his yacht, the question of whether her presence is a boon or a distraction to the sport has become the paddock's hottest topic.

The 'classless' grid-snub that angered F1 insiders

The incident with Martin Brundle, a former driver turned iconic grid-walk interviewer, has become the defining moment of Kardashian's debut. According to the Daily Mail, Brundle approached Kardashian and her sister Khloe on live TV; both women turned away and appeaed to encourage their entourage to move him along. F1 insiders described the behaviour as 'classless.'

Brundle is known for his pre-race celebrity interviews on the grid, a tradition that fans cherish. The snub not only drew criticism toward Kardashian but also reflected poorly on Hamilton, as a second insider told the Daily Mail: 'It's also not a great look for Lewis by association.'

Hamilton's 66-point deficit: a championship chase under new media glare

Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, finished second at Monaco but trails championship leader Kimi Antonelli by a massive 66 points in the drivers' standings, as the Daily Mail reported. His last title was in 2020, and the pursuit of an eighth championship — which would break Michael Schumacher's record — has grown more challenging.

The timing of his high-profile romance with Kardashian has led some to wonder whether the off-track attention is a distraction or a calculated boost to his allure. As the source noted, some in the paddock question whether the relationship has 'helped him recapture some of the allure that his profile has lost in recent years.'

Power shift in the padodck: WAGs split over Kardashian's 'value'

Beyond the Brundle incident, Kardashian's arrival is already reshapping the social dynamics of the F1 wives and girlfriends (WAGs). An insider told the Daily Mail of 'jealousy' among other WAGs who are 'used to pulling focus ,' while others see strategic value in befriending her for 'access and influence.'

Kardashian, according to the same source, 'doesn't really care if the other girls don't like her' and is focused on Hamilton.. Some teams have already reached out to arrange lunches, demonstrating the gravitational pull of one of the world's most famous celebrities. The Daily Mail's pictures of the couple embracing on Hamilton's yacht off the French Riviera only cemented her new role as a prime F1 power-couple figure.

What happens when Kardashian returns to the F1 circuit?

With Kardashian expected to attend more races, the key open question is whether the sport can absorb the celebrity circus without it overwhelming the competition. 'The real question now is what happens the next time she's at a race,' an insider told the Daily Mail. 'There will definitely be more eyes on her.'

It also remains unclear whether Hamilton's camp will manage the media narrative or whether further incidents will erode his reputation.. For now, the paddock is polarized: some see Kardashian as an 'unnecessary distraction,' while others recognise the 'value she is bringing to the game.'