Kimi Antonelli triumphs in Japan, but can’t celebrate with champagne: the law forbids it
Kimi Antonelli was unable to celebrate his Japanese Grand Prix triumph with champagne. For the young Italian driver, only a non-alcoholic beverage was allowed, as Japanese law prohibits anyone under 20 from consuming alcohol.
Antonelli is now the leader of the Formula 1 World Championship. The young Italian driver secured his second consecutive career victory, finishing ahead of Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc, and dominating the weekend with a performance that delivered a heavy blow to George Russell. On the podium at Suzuka, however, Antonelli did not drink champagne, instead celebrating with a soft drink, unlike Piastri and Leclerc. In Japan, the rules apply to everyone—even to a driver who started the season in spectacular fashion.
Kimi wins again at Suzuka and leads the F1 championship
The start had been disastrous. Pole-sitter Antonelli was almost at a standstill and by the first corner he had already dropped to sixth. Gradually, he mounted his comeback. A stroke of luck, as he himself admitted, cleared the way for his second win, following his triumph in Shanghai. Antonelli finished ahead of Oscar Piastri, Charles Leclerc, and George Russell, now eight points behind and struggling with morale.
No champagne for Antonelli
After the victory, Antonelli was celebrated by Mercedes and then brought to the cool-down room, where the three podium drivers discussed the race. The podium ceremony continued with the playing of national anthems—Mameli for Antonelli and the German anthem for Mercedes. Official awards were presented with trophies and medals, followed by champagne. Piastri and Leclerc enjoyed it, but not Antonelli. Surprising? Not really. The 19-year-old driver is below Japan’s legal drinking age, so a non-alcoholic beverage was his only option.
Japanese law prohibits alcohol for anyone under 20
In Japan, the legal age was lowered from 20 to 18 on April 1, 2022, but the drinking age for alcohol remains 20. Once someone reaches that age, they are legally allowed to consume alcohol and smoke. Antonelli will have his chance next year to enjoy the podium celebrations fully, though who knows if he didn’t sneak a sip in private during Mercedes’ festivities.
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