Acronym designates a group of women that includes the daughter of a Brazilian, a world celebrity, a school crush and influencers and models
The 2026 Formula 1 season has barely started and the paddock is already busy, not only with the results of the races, but also with the details and even behind-the-scenes controversies. Away from the circuits, the personal lives of the drivers are one of the most talked about subjects by fans of the category and that’s where the F1 WAGs come in.
SEE ALSO:
You may have come across this term and wondered what it means.” WAG” is an acronym for “Wives and Girlfriends”, used to define the partners of big names in sports. The term was coined in the early 2000s by the British press to talk about the first woman named WAG: Victoria Beckham, wife of former footballer David Beckham.
At first, the acronym had a pejorative bias with the idea of stereotyping and diminishing athletes’ partners as “just wives” and dependent on their husbands’ success. Over the years, the term has evolved and come to be used to create a group that includes these women who relate to great athletes, but still have their own careers and independence.
Driven by the global phenomenon of the Drive to Survive series, interest in motorsport WAGs has exploded. Between ultra-discreet romances and couples who don’t skimp on public statements, check out the relationships of each of the 22 drivers on the current grid, organized by their respective teams.
Lewis Hamilton
The seven-time champion has a history of high-profile relationships, including his remarkable eight-year relationship with singer Nicole Scherzinger, as well as affairs with Brazilian model Juliana Nalú, Shakira, Gigi Hadid and Sofia Vergara. This month, Hamilton assumed his relationship with influencer and businesswoman Kim Kardashian, was first seen at a race on June 6. However, rumors point out that the romance has been going on since February.
Charles Leclerc
The Monegasque driver recently married French art historian and digital influencer Alexandra. The ceremony, which won over social media for its impeccable aesthetics, sealed a union that officially began in 2023 and since then the couple has shared several moments together.
Lando Norris
The current world champion assumed at the end of last year his relationship with Portuguese actress Margarida Corceiro. Although they avoid direct posts together, the subtle interactions and gifs referencing the pilot in the comments of their posts deliver the couple’s harmony.
Oscar Piastri
The Australian maintains a line of absolute discretion with his high school sweetheart, Lily Zneimer. Even with private social networks, she is a constant presence in the pits to support the driver who has already assumed the relationship on social media.
George Russell
One of the strong candidates for this year’s cup, he has been in a relationship since 2020 with Spanish businesswoman Carmen Montero Mundt. She is also a stamped figure in the Grand Prix and owner of a significant engagement on the internet, with more than 800 thousand followers.
Kimi Antonelli
The young driver has been single since February, after breaking up with Czech influencer Eliska Bábíčková. Despite rumors about betrayals, the end of the relationship was clarified by her on her networks, dismissing rumors and citing only different visions about the future.
Max Verstappen
The star maintains a lasting union with Kelly Piquet. The couple makes several appearances and posts some records together, but prefers to keep the privacy of the children in the house: Penelope (the result of her former relationship with driver Daniil Kvyat) and little Lilly, 1 year old. Kelly recently hit back at criticism about the nearly 10-year age difference between the two, as Max was 19 when they started.
Isack Hadjar
At 21, the Algerian prefers a more discreet profile and is dating Canadian influencer Lauren Fitz Simmons, who usually includes occasional simple appearances of the driver in her publications on the networks.
Gabriel Bortoleto
The Brazilian representative has a firm relationship with student Isabella Bernardini. Although she keeps her accounts private, she has been a constant presence on the circuits supporting her boyfriend.
Nico Hulkenberg
The experienced German has been married to Egle for years. The couple’s daughter, Noemi, recently conquered the internet by proving that she knows the name of absolutely all the drivers on the grid in her head.
Fernando Alonso
Always reserved, the two-time champion has been dating Spanish journalist Melissa Jimenez since 2023. The couple welcomed their first child, Leonard, in March of this year. Melissa already has three other children from her former marriage to former Barcelona player Marc Bartra.
Lance Stroll
Two years after his breakup with influencer Marilou Bélanger, the pilot took on a low-profile relationship with Israeli model Yael Shelbia. They assumed the relationship publicly in early May 2026, during the Miami Grand Prix weekend.
Pierre Gasly
The Frenchman took an important step recently when he got engaged to Portuguese model Francisca “Kika” Cerqueira Gomes. Very much in love, the two often share their routines and statements with followers.
Franco Colapinto
Currently single, the Argentine has been at the center of international media speculation in 2024 due to an alleged love triangle involving fellow grid member Oliver Bearman and model Estelle Ogilvy.
Carlos Sainz
The Spaniard has been dating Scottish model Rebecca Donaldson since 2023. Despite accompanying him in the paddock, the two choose to shield their relationship and avoid exhibitions on the internet.
Alex Albon
One of the most charismatic drivers on the grid took a serious step earlier this year by officially getting engaged to professional golfer Lily Muni He.
Esteban Ocon
In a three-year relationship with Flavy Barla, a medical student and former Miss Côte d’Azur, the Frenchman loves to share romantic moments with his beloved on his social media.
Olivier ‘Ollie’ Bearman
The young man lives a discreet romance with Alicia Torriani. Although she keeps her profile locked, Olivier makes a point of sharing cute clicks of the couple.
Liam Lawson
An assumed romantic on social media, the New Zealander has been dating model Hannah St. John since 2022.
Arvid Lindblad
At the age of 18, the rookie of the category has not assumed any public relationship so far.
Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez
Married since 2018 to Carola Martínez, the veteran is the father of four children (Sergio Jr., Carlota, Emilio and a youngest whose name was not revealed). The family prioritizes total privacy.
Valtteri Bottas
The Finn has been dating Australian professional cyclist Tiffany Cromwell since 2020, with whom he frequently exchanges public statements. The romance began shortly after Bottas’ divorce from Olympic swimmer Emilia Pikkarainen in 2019.
