Charles Leclerc Just Took a Luxe Riva Yacht to the Mediterranean
Apparently, the best way to unwind before the impending Dutch Grand Prix is cruising on a luxury yacht.
Formula 1 racer Charles Leclerc recently jumped aboard a Riva for a holiday in the Mediterranean with his girlfriend, Alexandra Saint Mleux, and their pet dog, Leo. He shared photos of the getaway on Instagram on Monday, showcasing the yacht in all its glory.
Leclerc actually took delivery of his own 48 Dolceriva in 2020, a year after winning the 2019 Italian Grand Prix. He named the $2 million vessel Monza after the famous Italian racing circuit, a.k.a. the Temple of Speed. The Riva pictured in his post isn’t Monza, though: It looks as if it could be a larger 82 Diva, known as Sedici, which Riva delivered earlier this year, according to Boat International. Instagram account Monaco Luxury Style also captured him cruising on the 82-footer, in fact. Robb Report reached out to Riva to see if he owns the vessel, but the shipyard did not immediately respond. (Yacht makers are typically tight-lipped about ownership, especially when celebrities are involved.)
It certainly seems like the vessel belongs to the Monégasque athlete: “Sedici” is the Italian word for “16,” which is his racing number. Leclerc was also spotted on a Riva 66 Ribelle called Sedici in 2022, which he is rumored to own. That means he likely has three Rivas in his personal fleet. Coincidentally, Riva was a sponsor of the Ferrari F1 team from 2016 through to 2024.
Leclerc at the helm of Riva yacht “Sedici” in Italy in 2022.
Emanuele Perrone/Getty
Leclerc isn’t the only F1 star to have taken to the seas for a little respite from the track. George Russell recently posted pictures of himself aboard a Pershing yacht. The Brit, who is having a blinder of a season behind the wheel for Mercedes, reportedly bought the 6X for around $3 million (£2.2 million). The speedy 62-footer, which can hit 48 knots at full tilt, comes with four cabins, a fully equipped galley, and a huge upper deck.
Russell obviously has an affinity for the ocean, becoming an ambassador for Blue Marine Foundation earlier this month. “As someone who loves to spend time at sea, learning about the charity’s mission really resonated with me,” he wrote on Instagram. “Blue Marine believe that we can have a healthy ocean that supports people and sea life around the world.”
Four-time F1 champ Max Verstappen also took a vacation on the water, posting pics of himself and his family on a yacht to Instagram on Monday. The Red Bull Racing driver took delivery of a $15 million Mangusta GranSport 33 earlier this year. Collaboratively designed by Alberto Mancini and Overmarine Group’s technical departments, Unleash the Lion can hit 26 knots, but it also has an impressive range, generous interior volumes, and spacious outdoor spaces.
Seems like all three gents should be refreshed and ready for the race in the Netherlands this weekend. May the best yachtsman win.
