Kim Kardashian’s Absence at the Japanese Grand Prix
Kim Kardashian was notably absent from the F1 paddock during the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, despite spending the week in Tokyo with Lewis Hamilton. The pair, who have been spotted together in recent months, are rumored to be in a romantic relationship, but this was the first time many expected to see Kardashian publicly supporting Hamilton at an F1 event.
Throughout the week, Kim K enjoyed the vibrant city of Tokyo, often seen out with Hamilton as their relationship continued to develop. However, on race day, Hamilton was accompanied by other high-profile figures, including actress Anya Taylor-Joy. Known for her frequent appearances at F1 events, Taylor-Joy is a close friend of Hamilton, though she was not the celebrity many anticipated seeing alongside him.
In the Ferrari garage, Hamilton shared a heartfelt moment with Taylor-Joy before engaging with several other A-listers who had traveled to Japan for the race. 
The growing popularity of Formula 1 has attracted numerous celebrities to the paddock. This week, Chris Pratt, Jack Black, Keegan Michael Key, and Charlie Day were all guests of Ferrari. Despite Hamilton’s strong start to the season, he finished sixth on Sunday without Kardashian’s presence in the paddock.
Kimi Antonelli, the Mercedes wonderkid, secured his second consecutive Grand Prix win, making him the youngest Championship leader in F1 history.
During their stay in Tokyo, Kardashian brought her three children—Saint, 10, Chicago, eight, and Psalm, six—along with her. The family enjoyed go-kart racing together, with Kardashian snapping a selfie wearing a black helmet and a red racing outfit similar to one Hamilton has worn during races. 
It remains unclear whether Kardashian has returned to the US or elsewhere, but social media rumors suggested she left Japan on her private jet ahead of the race.
A Growing Relationship
Kardashian and Hamilton have known each other for years, but their romance gained attention earlier this year. In late January, the couple was seen checking into an upscale hotel in the Cotswolds. Shortly after, they were spotted at another hotel in Paris before dining together at Aqua Kyoto. An insider told Entertainment Tonight that the pair were spending more time together, exploring a potential romantic relationship.
In February, Kardashian and Hamilton were seated next to each other at the Super Bowl LX. 
The news of their relationship has spread through the paddock, with other drivers noting a change in Hamilton’s demeanor. His former Mercedes teammate, George Russell, observed that Hamilton appears much happier, likely due to his newfound love.
Hamilton himself spoke about his improved performance, stating, “I don’t find it a relief. It is just a change of attitude and not letting all the ‘BS’ that comes out of people’s mouths get in the way of knowing who I am and what I am able to do.” He highlighted his recent races, particularly one where he raced wheel-to-wheel with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc. 
“I will continue to try to show this through the year,” he added. “I have not lost what I have had regardless of what people write. I will continue to train harder than ever.”
Hamilton also mentioned running 100km in Tokyo between races, noting that none of the drivers he competes against have trained as hard as he has, especially at his age. “I love that I still have the drive to push myself,” he said. “I was at the hotel and several drivers walked in and I had finished my run. I knew they were just getting up. The commitment is there more than ever.”
He concluded by expressing his dedication to the sport, saying, “I will dedicate absolutely everything I have to this challenge and these cars.”
