Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has announced his engagement to 23-year-old model and influencer Alexandra Saint Mleux.
The happy couple shared the news on Instagram on Sunday, captioning an array of romantic photos with the caption ‘Mr and Mrs Leclerc’, which included their dog Leo – who is fast becoming popular with F1 fans in his own right.
Leclerc and Saint Mleuz have been dating since early 2023, when they were spotted together at Paris Fashion Week that March.
Later in the year, shortly after Leclerc confirmed he was in a relationship but stopped short of naming Saint Mleux, they stepped out together at Wimbledon to confirm their relationship.
And it appears that Leclerc, worth an estimated $125million, splashed out big on the ring.
According to Laura Taylor, a jeweller specialising in engagement rings at Lorel Diamonds, Saint Mleux’s ring is worth at least $525,000.
‘Alexandra’s engagement ring features a gorgeous oval cut diamond set on a platinum pavé band. The diamond looks to be around 5 to 6 carats, with a truly bright appearance that suggests it’s of exceptional quality,’ Taylor said to Daily Mail.
‘If the diamond is natural and of exceptional quality, I’d estimate the ring to be worth upwards of £400,000 ($525,000).’
Leclerc, 28, has been in two high-profile relationships before. He dated Italian model Giada Gianna for four years, with the couple splitting up in 2019.
And after that, the Formula 1 star was with famous architect Charlotte Sine, breaking up in December 2022.
‘Charlotte and I have decided to end our relationship and we remain good friends,’ Leclerc said at the time.
‘We have shared so many great moments and she is and always will be a very special person to me.’
As for Saint Mleux, the couple tend to keep their relationship out of the spotlight as much as possible. But back in June, they appeared on the red carpet together in New York for the premiere of the F1 movie.
Earlier in October, Leclerc joked that he has to overpack when he travels for races because Saint Mleux has a habit of stealing his clothes while he is on the road.
‘I always overpack, I just want to make sure I have something for every occasion,’ he told reporters.
‘She steals my jackets sometimes. But I can’t wear any of hers, they’re way too small.’
The couple’s pet, Leo, a miniature long-haired dachshund, is often seen with the engaged couple at races.
Alex Albon, Leclerc’s rival at McLaren, joked that Leo lives a better live than he does during the season.
‘That dog’s living the lide of luxury,’ Albon said in September. ‘ I wish I was his dog.’
Leclerc said of Leo in an interview with GQ in July: ‘He’s my best friend. He’s the best.
‘I bring him to most of the races. Last year, he did get a paddock pass but he doesn’t need it anymore. People know him more than me.’
As for racing, Leclerc’s announcement comes on a weekend off. Next weekend, he’ll be back on the track for Ferrari at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo.
