Behind the Wheel: A Look at the Personal Lives of Formula 1’s Leading Drivers
As the roar of engines and the thrill of high-speed competition define the world of Formula 1, fans often find themselves equally captivated by the lives of the drivers off the track. With the 2026 season on the horizon, curiosity about the personal relationships of these sporting heroes is at an all-time high. From established partnerships to blossoming romances, we delve into the love lives of the current F1 grid.
Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet: A Formula 1 Dynasty
Red Bull Racing’s formidable driver, Max Verstappen, has been a dominant force in Formula 1 since his rapid ascent. His personal life is intertwined with the sport’s rich history through his relationship with Kelly Piquet. Kelly is the daughter of three-time Formula 1 World Champion Nelson Piquet, making them both “nepo babies” of the motorsport world, as Max’s father, Jos Verstappen, is also a former F1 driver.
The couple’s romance began in 2020, four years after Max joined Red Bull Racing. Kelly was previously in a relationship with fellow driver Daniil Kvyat, with whom she shares a daughter, Penelope. Max has embraced his role as a devoted step-father to Penelope, affectionately known as ‘P’. In May 2025, Max and Kelly welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Lily, further solidifying their family unit within the F1 community.
Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez and Carola Martínez: A Private Partnership
Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez, the celebrated Mexican driver for Red Bull Racing, maintains a relatively private personal life with his wife, Carola Martínez. Both hailing from Guadalajara, Mexico, their paths didn’t cross until their early twenties. They exchanged vows in 2018, during Checo’s tenure with Force India.
The couple are parents to a growing family, sharing four children: two sons, Sergio Jr. and Emilio, and two daughters, Carlota and another whose name remains undisclosed to the public. Their commitment to privacy allows them to navigate the demanding F1 calendar away from the spotlight.
Charles Leclerc and Alexandra Saint Mleux: A Fairytale Romance
Ferrari’s charismatic driver, Charles Leclerc, found love with Alexandra Saint Mleux. Their relationship first garnered attention in March 2023, following Leclerc’s split from his previous girlfriend, Charlotte Siné. Charles publicly confirmed their romance shortly after the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix, and their first official appearance together was at Wimbledon in July of the same year.
Alexandra has become a familiar and supportive presence at many Grand Prix events, often accompanied by their adorable golden retriever puppy, Leo. The couple’s journey together reached a significant milestone with their engagement announced in November 2025, a moment captured with Leo playing a central role. The joyous occasion was celebrated with a civil ceremony in Monaco in early March 2026, with Charles playfully referring to them as “Mr². & Mrs. Leclerc.”
Fernando Alonso and Melissa Jimenez: A New Chapter
Two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso is reportedly in a relationship with Melissa Jimenez. Rumours of their romance began circulating in 2023, after Jimenez’s divorce from former Barcelona defender Marc Bartra in 2022, with whom she has three children: Gala, Abril, and Max. In March 2026, the couple welcomed their first child together, a significant event that coincided with the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.
Carlos Sainz and Rebecca Donaldson: A Stylish Partnership
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has been romantically linked with Scottish model Rebecca Donaldson since the summer of 2023. Donaldson, who has graced the covers of prestigious magazines like Vogue Ukraine and Marie Claire México, is also a successful entrepreneur. She launched her activewear brand, Muse Activewear, in October 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to her relationship with Sainz, Donaldson was notably linked with Scott Disick, an ex-partner of Kourtney Kardashian. She is a regular fixture in the Ferrari garage, offering her unwavering support to Sainz.
Oscar Piastri and Lily Zneimer: Childhood Sweethearts
McLaren rookie Oscar Piastri shares a long-standing relationship with Lily Zneimer. The couple have been together since their school days at Haileybury in England, making them true childhood sweethearts. Their Formula 1 journey has allowed them to travel the world together, with Lily attending numerous races during Oscar’s debut season, including events in Italy, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi. Her dedication is evident, even sporting a phone case emblazoned with “OP81” in team colours.
George Russell and Carmen Montero Mundt: A Mutual Connection
Mercedes F1 driver George Russell has been in a relationship with Carmen Montero Mundt since 2020. Their connection was forged through a mutual friend. Originally from Spain, Carmen relocated to the UK at the age of 18. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business management and finance from the University of Westminster. Carmen previously worked in investor relations but has since returned to her studies.
Kimi Antonelli and Eli Bábíčková: Young Love in Motorsport
Emerging talent Kimi Antonelli, at just 18 years old, is reportedly dating Czech karting champion Eli Bábíčková. The couple made their relationship public in early 2024 and celebrated their first anniversary in October of the same year, showcasing the vibrant young love within the motorsport community.
Esteban Ocon and Flavy Barla: A Blend of Influence and Glamour
Haas driver Esteban Ocon is dating Flavy Barla, a model, social media influencer, and former Miss Côte d’Azur. Their relationship began in 2023, following Ocon’s split from his previous girlfriend, Elena Berri. While they frequently share glimpses of their life together on social media, they prefer to keep the finer details of their romance private.
Nico Hulkenberg and Eglė Ruškytė: A Family Affair
German driver Nico Hulkenberg and his Lithuanian wife, Eglė Ruškytė, tied the knot in 2021. The couple, who are believed to have met ten years prior in 2015, began dating shortly after. Their engagement took place during a romantic trip to Venice in September 2020. Nico and Eglė are now proud parents to a daughter named Noemi Sky, adding a personal dimension to Hulkenberg’s F1 career.
Pierre Gasly and Francisca ‘Kika’ Gomes: A Popular Pairing
French driver Pierre Gasly, 29, is in a relationship with 22-year-old Portuguese model and influencer, Francisca ‘Kika’ Gomes. Kika is also a “nepo baby,” being the daughter of TV presenter Maria Vieira de Campos Cerqueira Gomez and Pure McLaren Drive Team driver Goncalo Gomes. Their relationship became public in October 2022 and has since garnered significant popularity among fans.
Jack Doohan and Ebony Zippora Gold: Rookie Romance
Rookie driver Jack Doohan is another driver off the market, currently dating Ebony Zippora Gold.
Gabriel Bortoleto and Isabella Bernardini: A Quiet Connection
Brazilian native Gabriel Bortoleto is understood to be in a private relationship with his girlfriend, Isabella Bernardini.
Liam Lawson and Hannah St. John: Support and Strength
When Liam Lawson made his impressive return to Formula 1, his girlfriend Hannah St. John was by his side. The couple, who began dating in October 2022, have a strong bond, with Lawson crediting St. John with helping him navigate the frustrations inherent in motorsport.
Alex Albon and Lily Muni He: A Power Couple in Sport
Alex Albon and his fiancée, Lily Muni He, represent a true power couple, with both excelling in their respective sporting fields. Albon, the Thai-British driver, has been dating Lily, a professional golfer on the US-based LPGA tour, since 2019. When not competing herself, Lily is a frequent and enthusiastic supporter in the F1 paddock. Originally from China, Lily moved to Canada at a young age and later to the US. The couple announced their engagement in January 2026, sharing their happiness with a sweet Polaroid photo captioned, “I guess we’re stuck with each other now.”
Valtteri Bottas and Tiffany Cromwell: A Shared Passion for Cycling
Similar to Alex Albon, Valtteri Bottas and his long-term girlfriend, Tiffany Cromwell, are a prominent sporting couple. Cromwell is an accomplished Australian professional cyclist. The pair are believed to have met in a Monaco pub, bonding over their shared love for cycling. Bottas was previously married to Emilia Pikkarainen, but they separated in November 2019 after three years of marriage.
