Formula One driver Carlos Sainz Jr. has long kept his personal life out of the tabloid spotlight, but his romantic relationships frequently draw intense public curiosity. Since mid-2023, Sainz has been in a relationship with Scottish fashion model and entrepreneur Rebecca Donaldson. This pairing followed his high-profile, seven-year relationship with Spanish journalist Isa Hernáez. While the driver prefers to keep low-key about his private affairs, his partnership with Donaldson remains a fixture in the F1 paddock.
Understanding who Carlos Sainz is dating requires looking at how his relationship status shifted during the 2023 season, his background with past partners, and how Donaldson fits into the high-pressure world of Grand Prix racing.
The Timeline of Carlos Sainz and Rebecca Donaldson
Rumors surrounding Carlos Sainz and Rebecca Donaldson first surfaced in the summer of 2023. The pair were spotted vacationing together on the French island of Corsica, shortly after news broke that Sainz and his long-term partner Isa Hernáez had parted ways.
Unlike many couples who court heavy social media attention, Sainz and Donaldson chose a private approach. They didn't issue grand public declarations or flood Instagram with joint photo shoots. Instead, Donaldson began appearing quietly in the paddock, supporting Sainz through his remaining tenure with Ferrari and subsequent career moves. For another look on this event, refer to the recent coverage from Reuters.
By early 2024, public appearances together confirmed their relationship status to fans and media outlets alike. Donaldson is regularly seen alongside other prominent figures in the F1 partner community, including companions of fellow drivers like Charles Leclerc and George Russell.
Who Is Rebecca Donaldson?
Rebecca Donaldson is more than just an F1 paddock regular. Born in Scotland in 1995, she carved out a successful career as a fashion model after winning her first beauty competition at age 17 with her mother's encouragement.
Beyond modeling on international runways and appearing in major campaigns, Donaldson is an entrepreneur. During the 2020 UK lockdowns, she founded MUSE Activewear, a clothing brand designed for ambitious women. She noted in interviews that starting the business helped channel her energy during a period of uncertainty.
Donaldson's background in fashion also spills over into her personal life. In interviews, she humorously revealed that she handles a significant portion of styling for Sainz, joking that he is well-dressed primarily because she buys his clothes.
Looking Back: The Relationship With Isa Hernáez
Before his relationship with Donaldson, Sainz spent seven years with Spanish journalist and fashion consultant Isa Hernáez. The pair began dating quietly in 2017 before making their official public debut.
Throughout Sainz's rise through the Formula 1 ranks—from Renault to McLaren and eventually Ferrari—Hernáez was a constant supportive presence. However, rumors of trouble emerged in early 2023 when Sainz gave a cryptic response during a Spanish Grand Prix interview about spending time with family, his dog, and "his girlfriend, if I have one".
In June 2023, Spanish media outlets confirmed the couple had split. Both handled the breakup with relative discretion initially, though Hernáez later shared lighthearted social media content reflecting on the split. She has since moved forward with her own career and personal projects.
Why F1 Relationships Attract So Much Curiosity
The intense scrutiny on drivers' romantic lives stems from the unique structure of the Formula 1 calendar. With races spanning across twenty-plus countries over nine months, drivers live out of suitcases.
- The Paddock Culture: Partners are frequently televised during race weekends, turning grandstands and hospitality suites into impromptu fashion runways.
- Social Media Tracking: Fans analyze background reflections in Instagram stories, flight tracking data, and vacation geotags to piece together timelines before official announcements happen.
- Public vs. Private Balance: Drivers like Sainz try to draw a hard line between their professional athletic careers and their domestic lives, creating a gap that fan communities love to investigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Carlos Sainz and Rebecca Donaldson start dating?
The couple was first linked in the summer of 2023 after being spotted together in Corsica, shortly after Sainz's breakup with Isa Hernáez.
What is Rebecca Donaldson's profession?
Donaldson is a Scottish fashion model and the founder of MUSE Activewear, an athletic clothing brand she launched in 2020.
How long was Carlos Sainz with Isa Hernáez?
Sainz and Hernáez were together for approximately seven years, dating from 2017 until their separation was confirmed in mid-2023.
Do Carlos Sainz and Rebecca Donaldson post about each other on social media?
They maintain a relatively low profile compared to other public figures, choosing to keep their relationship largely private while still attending public events together.
