Charles Leclerc, the renowned Ferrari driver, has joyfully announced his engagement to Alexandra Saint Mleux, a 23-year-old model and influencer. This exciting news comes after the couple was first seen together earlier this year at the Paris Fashion Week in March, marking the beginning of their romantic journey.

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.

The engagement ring, which has become a topic of interest, underscores Leclerc’s lavish taste. With an estimated net worth of $125 million, Leclerc certainly did not hold back when selecting a ring for his fiancée.

Jewelry expert Laura Taylor, who specializes in engagement rings at Lorel Diamonds, shared with the Daily Mail that the exquisite ring is valued at a minimum of $525,000. She describes the ring as featuring a stunning oval cut diamond set on a platinum pavé band, estimating the diamond to be between five and six carats. Its brilliance suggests it is of superior quality.

Taylor further elaborated, “If the diamond is natural and of exceptional quality, I’d estimate the ring to be worth upwards of £400,000 ($525,000).”

Charles Leclerc has announced his engagement to 23-year-old model Alexandra Saint Mleux

The Ferrari driver, 28, has been with the 23-year-old model and influencer since 2023

As Leclerc and Saint Mleux embark on this new chapter together, their engagement has certainly captured the attention of fans and followers worldwide, celebrated both for their love story and the dazzling symbol of it.

‘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.

Leclerc pictured with Saint Mleux at the F1 movie premiere in New York back in June

Mleux is a popular infleuncer and model who is often cheering Leclerc during his racing

‘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.’ 

The couple’s adorable dog Leo is fast becoming popular in his own right in Formula One circles

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.