The glittering finale of the Formula One season unfolded at the Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday, where the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix played host to a dramatic three-way showdown for the World Championship. As the engines roared, the paddock was also abuzz with the arrival of A-list celebrities, including Ana de Armas and Emily Ratajkowski, who added a dose of Hollywood glamour to the high-octane event.
A Three-Way Fight for the Ultimate Crown
This year's championship battle reached a fever pitch, with three of the sport's finest drivers entering the final race in contention. Max Verstappen, the seasoned champion with four titles already to his name, faced his stiffest challenge yet from McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. For the latter two, this represented uncharted territory, marking the closest they have ever come to claiming the coveted crown.
The points situation was tantalisingly close heading into the weekend. Lando Norris led the standings by 12 points from Verstappen, with Piastri a mere four points further back in third. The mathematics were clear: a top-three finish for Norris would secure him the title. However, if Verstappen won the race and Norris failed to podium, the Dutchman would clinch his fifth championship. The same high-stakes scenario applied to the talented Australian rookie, Oscar Piastri.
Celebrity Style Hits the Paddock
Off the track, the event was a magnet for the international jet set. Cuban actress Ana de Armas made a stylish entrance, opting for an effortlessly chic ensemble of high-waisted black jeans, a white crop top, and a leather jacket. Later, she was seen visiting the Williams garage, her toned midriff on display.
She was joined by model and actress Emily Ratajkowski, who turned heads in a sleek mint green suit as she headed towards the Red Bull garage. The fashion moments continued with model Alexandra Saint Mleux, who arrived to support her fiancé, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. Saint Mleux stunned in a body-hugging, sleeveless maxi dress with a ruched high neck, accessorised with statement gold earrings and a green handbag.
Leclerc's High-Value Engagement Revealed
The Grand Prix weekend also cast a spotlight on Charles Leclerc's personal life. He and Saint Mleux, who began dating in early 2023 and went public at Wimbledon later that year, recently announced their engagement. The couple shared the joyful news on Instagram last month with a series of photos captioned 'Mr and Mrs Leclerc'.
The engagement ring sparked considerable attention, with experts estimating its value to be substantial. According to Laura Taylor, a jeweller specialising in engagement rings at Lorel Diamonds, the exquisite ring sported by Saint Mleux is worth at least $525,000.
As the sun set on the Abu Dhabi circuit, all eyes were fixed on the thrilling title decider between Verstappen, Norris, and Piastri, a fitting climax to a season that blended sporting excellence with undeniable star power.
