The Women that Redefined What it Means to Be a ‘WAG’ in F1 Season

As the weather slowly starts to warm up and signs of spring come around the globe, the season for competitive sports is fast approaching. And to kick things off, this year’s Grand Prix season-opening race starts in less than 2 weeks in the city of Bahrain on March 3rd. 

The exhilarating and glamorous motorsport of Formula 1 has been around for decades, with its teams and well-seasoned drivers who have gained a cult following of loyal fans that have been watching the Grand Prix long before they could remember. 

However, this significantly old sport has been revitalised and reimagined recently. Formula 1 has gained mass mainstream attention with a newer generation of fans due to enthusiasm over younger drivers and the Netflix series Drive to Survive. 

The top-ranking drivers over the past year are aged around early to mid-20s, and with younger drivers connecting with younger fans, there is a sense of relatability. But interestingly, it seems that not all eyes are only directed towards the drivers lately but also on their support system – their wives and girlfriends, also known as the WAG’s of Formula 1.

The term WAG had previously been associated with these women who received fame and recognition from their partners in the competitive sports industry instead of their own achievements. However, with the emergence of social media and the new generation of F1 followers, there is a sudden re-explosion of the term. These women can now be seen as influencers of their own outside of being supportive partners for the F1 drivers. These women have had great careers, have their own philanthropic interests, receive huge brand deals and partnerships, are incredibly independent and appeal to the F1 community and culture as an inspiration towards many. 

Here are some of the WAG’s to look out for this F1 season: 

Kelly Piquet: 

Kelly Piquet is a face you’ll definitely spot this year. Daughter of three-time F1 world champion Nelson Piquet and current girlfriend of 2-time F1 world champion and Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen, Piquet has had several partnerships with brands like Pepe Jeans, APM and Louis Vuitton. She also worked in fashion as a stylist assistant at Vogue Latin America and a buyer at Bergdorf Goodman. She then moved on to journalism and social media management for Formula E, and is currently a Health & Wellness Coach in Monaco. 

Carmen Mundt: 

Someone that resonates with the UK market is Carmen Mundt, who is Mercedes driver George Russel’s girlfriend and fashion icon, especially during race weekends and always one to watch for paddock fashion trends. She’s an up-and-coming influencer and a fan favourite but lives a regular 9-5 cooperate life in London, where she works as a Financial Investment Broker. 

Lily Muni: 

Williams F1 driver Alexander Albon and his girlfriend Lily Muni are among the most well-known couples in not only the F1 world but also the golfing world. Muni is a pro golfer who competes in the United States’ LPGA tour. Fans love that they both seem to bond over sports and share similar lifestyles.

Charlotte Sine

As Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc and his girlfriend of 3 years, Charlotte Sine, had recently announced their breakup, it is unlikely that you will see one of the most fan favourite WAG on the paddock this season. Throughout her relationship with Leclerc, Sine pursued her career in Architecture and has had several partnerships with fashion brands like Farfetch, APM and Polene. She also remained to have a huge following on social media, with over half a million followers on Instagram and started her own accessories brand.