– Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc got married in Monaco at the end of February – and thus also provided talking points in the Formula 1 paddock. Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton even had to face questions about his wedding gift at the season opener in Australia.
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The seven-time world champion admitted: There hasn’t been a gift for the newlywed couple yet.
Hamilton is taking his time with the wedding gift
Leclerc had married his partner Alexandra Saint Mleux on February 28 in a private ceremony in Monaco. The civil wedding took place in a small circle, with a larger celebration with friends and family planned for next year.
During the drivers’ press conference in Melbourne, Hamilton was asked what gift he had given his new teammate. His answer was honest – and quite relaxed.
“I’ve never been married, so I definitely didn’t give him any advice,” the Brit said with a smile. Hamilton also appeared relaxed regarding the gift: “I haven’t gotten a wedding gift yet. I usually take my time with things like that. Maybe I’ll give it to him in six months.”
Leclerc counters with title wish
Leclerc himself also reacted to his teammate’s statement with humor. When asked in a separate media round if he wanted anything from Hamilton, the Monegasque had a clear – albeit tongue-in-cheek – idea.
“Well, in six months it’s the end of the season,” Leclerc said. “So a title would probably be a nice gift.” Of course, he didn’t mean it entirely seriously – at least partially. “But I’m not sure if he’s ready to give me a title.”
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Despite the lighthearted tone, Leclerc emphasizes how important the wedding was to him personally. “It’s a very important moment in my life,” he explains. “We talked about it briefly, and these are those moments outside of racing that will forever be among the most important of my life.”
Wedding with Ferrari classic in Monaco
The wedding itself also attracted attention off the track. The couple was seen in Monaco in a historic Ferrari – a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa.
Leclerc was at the wheel in a light-colored suit, while Alexandra Saint Mleux wore a classic wedding dress and carried a white bouquet.
Shortly thereafter, she also officially confirmed the wedding on social media by changing her name to Alexandra Leclerc. A little later, the couple published photos of the ceremony together.
Leclerc commented on the special day on Instagram with emotional words: “A day we will remember forever. Part one is done – part two follows next year with all our loved ones.”
For the Ferrari driver, however, the focus is now back on racing. Whether Hamilton actually waits until the end of the season with his gift remains to be seen – and whether it will then really be a World Championship title, even more so.
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