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Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Charles Leclerc's royal link, TikTok star partner, salary half of Lewis Hamilton
Charles Leclerc is one of the biggest stars in Formula 1, and he will be aiming to make an impact this weekend when the biggest show in town rolls into his home of Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix The world-famous Monaco Grand Prix is next on the F1 calendar, taking place on Sunday. The lavish setting is also home to one of the sport's best-loved stars, Charles Leclerc. The 27-year-old, known for his boyish good looks and down-to-earth charm, may be yet to win the Drivers' Championship, but he has certainly captured hearts since taking up with Ferrari in 2019. Leclerc was runner-up in the Formula 1 Championship in 2022 and has won eight Grands Prix across eight seasons. Yet he has found it challenging this campaign as the Scuderia grapples with the inclusion of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. With Leclerc now entering a crucial stage of his career, with a contract extension with the Prancing Horse signed in early 2024, we take a closer look at the Monegasque star. Royal family links Such is Leclerc's standing in his place of birth, he was chosen by HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco to join the ranks of the Ambassadors of Her Foundation. Charlene is the wife of Prince Albert II, who has reigned since 2005. Since that accolade, he has crossed paths with Monaco's first family on several occasions. Leclerc later realised the dream of a lifetime as he clinched victory in the Monaco Grand Prix in May 2024. Prince Albert joined Leclerc on the podium as his nation's national anthem echoed around the Circuit de Monaco. Afterwards, the 27-year-old driver's ties to the Principality's Royal Family were strengthened as he accompanied them to the balcony, where he and Prince Albert sprayed bottles of champagne. The driver also dined at the Grimaldi Palace after his win. Leclerc is viewed as something of a hero in Monaco. Six famous figures from the region, including the Royal couple, joined Leclerc in having the honour of carrying the eternal Olympic flame as it passed through the Principality ahead of the Paris Games. In another Royal link, Leclerc is signed to the same talent agency as Prince Harry and Megan Markle, with Harry spotted watching races on occasion, although it's unknown if the two have a friendship. For all his glamorous friends, and Monaco being known as the home of the millionaire, Leclerc has explained how he had it a little different growing up. "My grandfather had quite a big plastic industry," he said. "My parents aren't particularly rich, my grandparents were a little bit, so they were helping us pay for the hotels." Tiktok star girlfriend Leclerc has been dating Alexandra Saint Mleux for two years. The couple was first linked in March 2023, and the Ferrari star confirmed the relationship just two months later during an interview. Alexandra is an art history student and social media influencer with two million followers on Instagram. The star has also recently been flaunting her modelling credentials, appearing in a major campaign for Hailey Bieber's company, Rhode. Since going public, the pair have been seen at numerous sporting events, and Alexandra has been spotted cheering on her boyfriend from the stands. The pair also share a young puppy, Leo. His salary As of March 2025, Leclerc is currently the third highest-paid driver in Formula 1, raking in £25.2million ($34m) last year. However, since storming into Ferrari, Hamilton has edged ahead of him, commanding a huge salary of £44.5m ($60m), a figure that almost doubles the Monegasque's annual fee. Prior to the season, Leclerc stated he was "ready [to win] the championship", yet 2025 has seen both Ferrari drivers struggle with just one podium between them in seven races as Leclerc clinched third in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. However, for all his latest struggles, Leclerc is thought to have a net worth of almost £93m, as per Racing News 365. While that figure is not confirmed, sponsorships and endorsements with the likes of watchmaker Richard Mille, PUMA, Ray-Ban, Giorgio Armani and EA Sports are thought to have swelled Leclerc's bank balance to a handsome sum.
Scottish Sun
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Four-time F1 world champion, 37, reveals he is ‘not allowed to race anymore'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SEBASTIAN VETTEL is no longer allowed to race - under instruction from his kids. The former professional driver won the Formula 1 Championship four times between 2010-2013. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Sebastian Vettel has been told by his kids not to return to racing He quit F1 in 2022 after racing with Aston Martin for two years, finishing 12th both seasons. Vettel, 37, admits he is happy in retirement and even if he wanted to make a return, he has been told he is not allowed to - by his children. He told Sky Sports Germany F1: "My kids told me I'm not allowed to race anymore because they like me so much. "It's wonderful to hear that. READ MORE IN F1 F1 STAR HIT Moment thief makes off with Jenson Button's wife's suitcase containing £250k "Family harmony still exists. I've learned a lot about myself during this time. I'm very content, and I don't get bored." Vettel has three children with his wife Hanna Prater - daughters Emilie, 11 and Mathilda, 9, and a son. The German, who raced for Red Bull for six years, now works for the organisation in Saudi Arabia where he teaches girls Go-Karting as part of the Race4Women event. However his long-term future could lie in F1, potentially in a role with Red Bull as an advisor, succeeding Helmut Marko. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Marko said of Vettel and his own future at Red Bull: "No decision has been made yet, but it's also quite clear: At some point, it won't be possible anymore—also due to age. "It would be great if someone like Sebastian Vettel would take over. 'People can't handle the truth' - Verstappen FUMES after being given five-second penalty and takes swipe at F1 bosses "On the one hand, there's the junior program. He's already working with girls in go-karting in Saudi Arabia. "And the other is the larger, strategic direction of a Formula 1 team. I think Sebastian has found himself and now knows what he wants to do in the future—and that's primarily motorsport." Responding to the rumours, Vettel said: "We're still working out what it could look like. But I don't want to impose myself."
The Irish Sun
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Four-time F1 world champion, 37, reveals he is ‘not allowed to race anymore'
SEBASTIAN VETTEL is no longer allowed to race - under instruction from his kids. The former professional driver won the Formula 1 Championship four times between 2010-2013. Advertisement 1 Sebastian Vettel has been told by his kids not to return to racing He quit F1 in 2022 after racing with Aston Martin for two years, finishing 12th both seasons. Vettel, 37, admits he is happy in retirement and even if he wanted to make a return, he has been told he is not allowed to - by his children. He told race anymore because they like me so much. "It's wonderful to hear that. Advertisement READ MORE IN F1 "Family harmony still exists. I've learned a lot about myself during this time. I'm very content, and I don't get bored." Vettel has three children with his wife Hanna Prater - daughters Emilie, 11 and Mathilda, 9, and a son. The German, who raced for Red Bull for six years, now works for the organisation in Saudi Arabia where he teaches girls Go-Karting as part of the Race4Women event. However his long-term future could lie in F1, potentially in a role with Red Bull as an advisor, succeeding Helmut Marko. Advertisement Most read in Motorsport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Marko said of Vettel and his own future at Red Bull: "No decision has been made yet, but it's also quite clear: At some point, it won't be possible anymore—also due to age. "It would be great if someone like 'People can't handle the truth' - Verstappen FUMES after being given five-second penalty and takes swipe at F1 bosses "On the one hand, there's the junior program. He's already working with girls in go-karting in Saudi Arabia . Advertisement "And the other is the larger, strategic direction of a Formula 1 team. I think Sebastian has found himself and now knows what he wants to do in the future—and that's primarily motorsport." Responding to the rumours, Vettel said: "We're still working out what it could look like. But I don't want to impose myself."
The Sun
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Four-time F1 world champion, 37, reveals he is ‘not allowed to race anymore'
SEBASTIAN VETTEL is no longer allowed to race - under instruction from his kids. The former professional driver won the Formula 1 Championship four times between 2010-2013. He quit F1 in 2022 after racing with Aston Martin for two years, finishing 12th both seasons. Vettel, 37, admits he is happy in retirement and even if he wanted to make a return, he has been told he is not allowed to - by his children. He told Sky Sports Germany F1: "My kids told me I'm not allowed to race anymore because they like me so much. "It's wonderful to hear that. "Family harmony still exists. I've learned a lot about myself during this time. I'm very content, and I don't get bored." Vettel has three children with his wife Hanna Prater - daughters Emilie, 11 and Mathilda, 9, and a son. The German, who raced for Red Bull for six years, now works for the organisation in Saudi Arabia where he teaches girls Go-Karting as part of the Race4Women event. However his long-term future could lie in F1, potentially in a role with Red Bull as an advisor, succeeding Helmut Marko. Marko said of Vettel and his own future at Red Bull: "No decision has been made yet, but it's also quite clear: At some point, it won't be possible anymore—also due to age. "It would be great if someone like Sebastian Vettel would take over. 'People can't handle the truth' - Verstappen FUMES after being given five-second penalty and takes swipe at F1 bosses "On the one hand, there's the junior program. He's already working with girls in go-karting in Saudi Arabia. "And the other is the larger, strategic direction of a Formula 1 team. I think Sebastian has found himself and now knows what he wants to do in the future—and that's primarily motorsport." Responding to the rumours, Vettel said: "We're still working out what it could look like. But I don't want to impose myself."
