Charles Leclerc and Alexandra Saint Mleux just broke the internet. Again. Honestly, if you’ve spent any time on TikTok or followed the F1 paddock lately, you know the vibe. It isn't just about fast cars anymore. It’s about the art, the style, and a very famous long-haired dachshund named Leo.
But here’s the thing. Most people think they know the story of Alexandra and Charles, but they’re usually missing the actual substance behind the glitz. This isn't your standard "driver meets influencer" cliché. It’s a bit more curated than that.
The Proposal That Set the 2026 Bridal Trend
On November 2, 2025, Charles finally popped the question. He didn't just do it at a random dinner, though. He turned his home deck into a literal sea of red rose petals and candles. The real star of the show? Leo. The couple's dachshund wore a tag that said, “Dad wants to marry you!” It was peak "paddock pup" energy.
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The engagement ring is what everyone is talking about heading into the 2026 wedding season. Experts, like Toya from Lindelli Jewellery, have pointed out that Alexandra’s oval-cut diamond is basically the blueprint for brides this year. It’s a massive stone, estimated at over five carats and valued somewhere north of $500,000.
Why does this matter? Because it marks the shift from Alexandra being a "rumored girlfriend" to becoming the future Mrs. Leclerc. They even captioned their announcement "Mr². & Mrs. Leclerc"—a cheeky nod to the fact that Leo makes three.
Who is Alexandra Saint Mleux, Really?
Stop calling her just an influencer. It’s kinda reductive. Alexandra is a French-Mexican-Italian art historian who actually knows her stuff. She studied at the École du Louvre in Paris, specializing in 20th-century art. If you follow her art account, @alexandramalenart, you’ll see she spends more time talking about Georgia O'Keeffe and Henri Matisse than she does about skincare routines.
Professionally, she’s been the Art Coordinator and PR lead at the Kamil Art Gallery in Monaco. She’s also a philanthropist. She launched the Corazones Unidos Fund to help Mexican children get better access to education and the arts.
The Heritage Factor
- Born: 2001 in France (with roots in Mexico and Italy).
- Languages: Fluent in French, Italian, and English.
- Education: Art History at the prestigious École du Louvre.
The Timeline: From Paris to the Podium
The "Chalex" era started with a TikTok. Seriously. In March 2023, eagle-eyed fans spotted a girl in the background of a video during Paris Fashion Week. She was just... there. But F1 fans are basically FBI agents when they want to be. They traced her, even though her account was private at the time.
Then came the Monaco Grand Prix in May 2023. Alexandra appeared in the Ferrari garage. That’s a big deal. You don’t get into that garage unless you’re inner-circle. Charles was "off the market," but he wouldn't say her name for months. They finally went public at Wimbledon in July 2023, sitting with Pierre Gasly and Francisca Gomez.
By the time Charles won his emotional home race at the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix, she was right there. Fans caught her mouthing "Mon Amour" from the sidelines. It was the first time a Monegasque driver had won that race since 1931, and having her there made it the "golden era" for his personal life.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think it’s all private jets and red carpets. It’s actually pretty low-key for a power couple. They rarely post "couple goals" photos. Most of what we see is through the lens of their dog, Leo, who they adopted in April 2024.
There was even a weird rumor for a while that the relationship was a PR strategy. Honestly? That’s wild. You don't involve your family in Mexico and adopt a dog together for a PR stunt. They spent the 2024 off-season in Mexico with Charles’ family, which pretty much shut down the "it’s just for the cameras" crowd.
How Alexandra Is Changing Paddock Fashion
The "WAG" style of the past was often about logos and being flashy. Alexandra is doing something different. She’s leaning into "quiet luxury" and vintage-inspired tailoring. She wears brands like Meshki and Rhode, but she mixes them with pieces that pay homage to her locations.
At the Mexico City Grand Prix, she wore an outfit inspired by Frida Kahlo’s "The Two Fridas." That’s the art historian coming out. She isn't just wearing clothes; she's telling stories. This approach has made her one of the most photographed women in the sport, rivaling the drivers for media attention.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Charles has been honest about 2025 being a "difficult year on the track" but a "very good year off the track." He’s hungry for wins in 2026. While the wedding date hasn't been leaked yet, the vibe is expected to be elegant, European, and probably filled with his Ferrari teammates.
If you’re looking to follow their journey or take a page from their book, here are some actionable ways to channel that energy:
- Look for "Timeless" over "Trendy": Alexandra’s style—and her ring—proves that classic silhouettes (like the oval solitaire) never go out of fashion.
- Support Art and Education: Follow her lead by looking into organizations like Corazones Unidos or local art foundations.
- Keep It Private (Mostly): Even as public figures, they’ve shown that you don't have to share every dinner date to have a strong connection.
- The "Leo" Effect: If you’re introducing a partner to your life, sometimes a shared responsibility (like a pet) is the ultimate bond.
The story of Alexandra and Charles isn't finished. It’s just entering a new lap. Whether he gets that World Championship or not, he’s already won the most important race of his life.