Comedian Jimmy Carr has sparked a mixed reaction from Formula One fans after adding a joke about Kimi Antonelli's 2026 world championship win to his stand-up routine. The joke, which referenced the Italian driver's partnership with Mercedes, has been widely shared on social media.
Carr's Controversial Joke
In a clip from a recent stand-up show, Carr tells his audience: "Antonelli won the Formula One." After the fans cheer, he waves his finger and says: "I don't like it, I don't like it one bit." He then explains: "I don't like it because he's Italian and he won the F1 championship in a Mercedes. When the Italians and the Germans come together, bad things happen."
The joke was a reference to the Second World War, during which Adolf Hitler's Nazi Germany was allied with the Kingdom of Italy, led by Benito Mussolini. While it got a big laugh from his live audience, F1 fans were not convinced.
Fan Reactions
Several fans took to social media platform X to criticise the joke. One fan wrote: "Not his finest work, too easy." A second asked: "Is this supposed to be funny?" And a third reposted the video with the caption: "The most unfunny comedian to do it."
Others pointed out that Carr missed an opportunity to extend the joke by noting that both Nazi Germany during the war and the Mercedes team today have an Austrian leader in common. One fan wrote: "This joke would only hit if he talked about the Austrian being in charge of the whole operation," while a second added: "I wish he mentioned Toto Wolff."
Antonelli's Senna Tribute
Antonelli, who confirmed his championship with a podium finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix, is back in action this weekend at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. He is aiming for a first victory there to honour his idol, Ayrton Senna, having met with the late motorsport legend's family in Brazil.
Antonelli said: "We just want to win more and more. Definitely, when I would go back home, I will have a bit more time to think about it. But now, we're in Brazil and the goal is to try and go and win this weekend."
He added: "This is one of the most special weekends of the year for me. The support is very incredible around here, the passion for Formula One is incredible and it's also a very good track. It's a really cool combination, a great city with a lot of nature, we've got a great atmosphere, a great track and so it's a perfect combination. And also it's the race of my hero, so it adds a little bit extra."
Antonelli also mentioned a special helmet for the weekend: "We'll have a special helmet to celebrate Brazil this weekend, to celebrate Ayrton and to celebrate his 35 years ever since he won in sixth gear. Hopefully, it's going to be a very special one."
