How F1 helps Kimi Antonelli avoid breaking the law in the United States

Kimi Antonelli could celebrate becoming Formula 1 drivers' champion at this weekend's United States Grand Prix, but the Mercedes driver will have to make do without the traditional champagne.

The 20-year-old Italian heads to the Circuit of the Americas with a 102-point championship lead over team-mate George Russell, with an opportunity to secure his maiden drivers' crown.

Even if he does not clinch the title but reaches the podium in Austin, he will have to make do with breaking from tradition.

Antonelli remains below the legal drinking age of 21 in the United States, meaning F1 must provide an alcohol-free alternative.

What will Kimi Antonelli drink on the Austin F1 podium?

Antonelli is expected to receive a non-alcoholic substitute, potentially sparkling rose water, rather than the Moët & Chandon champagne traditionally used during podium celebrations.

The precise beverage has not been confirmed, although F1 already has procedures for accommodating drivers who cannot legally consume alcohol.

The Mercedes driver encountered the same situation after winning the Miami Grand Prix in May, when he was 19.

Antonelli celebrated with an unbranded bottle containing a non-alcoholic drink, allowing him to participate in the customary podium spraying.

Which F1 countries have higher legal drinking ages?

The United States has a minimum drinking age of 21, meaning Antonelli will face the same restriction at the Las Vegas Grand Prix and at Miami again in 2027, when he will still be 20.

Japan also presented a problem earlier this season, when Antonelli was 19 and below its legal drinking age of 20.

Other young drivers can face similar restrictions, including Arvid Lindblad, who is still only 19. However, the Racing Bulls driver has yet to reach the F1 rostrum.

Which F1 grands prix do not use champagne?

Alcohol is not used during podium ceremonies at the Bahrain, Saudi Arabian, Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, where rose water is traditionally sprayed instead.

These arrangements reflect local cultural and religious considerations and apply to every driver, regardless of age.

Consequently, even established champions such as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton must swap champagne for an alcohol-free alternative at those events.

For Antonelli, however, Austin could provide the unusual spectacle of a newly crowned world champion celebrating one of motorsport's greatest achievements without being legally old enough to drink champagne.