Carlos Sainz may be one of Formula 1’s most recognisable drivers, but when it comes to his personal life, he has always preferred to keep things out of the spotlight.
Since 2023, the Williams driver has been in a relationship with Scottish model and entrepreneur Rebecca Donaldson. While the couple rarely discuss their romance publicly, Donaldson has become a familiar face around the Formula 1 paddock, supporting Carlos Sainz through some of the biggest moments of his career.
Here’s everything you need to know about Rebecca Donaldson, from her modelling career and business ventures to her life alongside one of Formula 1’s biggest stars.
Rebecca Donaldson is a Scottish model and entrepreneur
Rebecca Donaldson was born and raised in Scotland, growing up in Scone, near Perth. Her modelling career began almost by accident after her mother entered her into a beauty competition when she was 17 years old.
Speaking to the Daily Record in 2011, Donaldson revealed she was surprised to discover she had even been entered into the contest. “My mum entered me and I was really surprised when I found out.”
She went on to win the Face of 2011 competition, opening the door to a professional modelling career that has since seen her work with international fashion brands and magazines, including appearances in Vogue Ukraine and Marie Claire México. She is represented in the UK by Brand Model Management and has built a successful career across fashion, beauty and lifestyle campaigns.
Donaldson launched her own activewear brand during lockdown
Rather than relying solely on modelling, Donaldson expanded into business during the Covid-19 pandemic by launching her own activewear label, MUSE.
The brand debuted in October 2020 after Donaldson decided to use the lockdown period to pursue a long-held ambition of creating her own clothing company.
Speaking about the launch, she explained that she wanted to produce stylish, comfortable and affordable activewear that could also be worn away from the gym.
Donaldson said she was motivated by a desire to create products she genuinely wanted to wear herself, combining everyday practicality with premium quality while remaining accessible on price.
She has also described herself as someone naturally drawn to entrepreneurship, admitting that the traditional nine-to-five lifestyle never suited her.
Rebecca Donaldson and Carlos Sainz began dating in 2023
Donaldson and Carlos Sainz were first linked during the summer of 2023 after they were spotted together in Milan.
A few months later, the pair were seen again while playing golf in Amsterdam, effectively confirming speculation that they were a couple.
Their relationship followed the end of Sainz’s previous long-term romance with Spanish journalist Isa Hernáez, whom he dated for almost seven years.
Despite dating one of Formula 1’s biggest names, Donaldson and Sainz have largely kept their relationship private. They rarely post about one another on social media and generally avoid discussing their personal lives in interviews.
A regular face in the Formula 1 paddock
Although the couple prefer to stay out of the headlines, Donaldson has become a regular presence at Grand Prix weekends.
She has been there to celebrate many of Sainz’s biggest achievements, including his podium finish at the 2023 Mexico City Grand Prix and several standout performances during his final seasons with Ferrari before his move to Williams.
Donaldson has also been seen supporting Sainz during the tougher moments that inevitably come with Formula 1. Following his retirement from the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, cameras captured her comforting the Spaniard after a disappointing end to the race.
When Sainz underwent emergency surgery for appendicitis during the 2024 season, Donaldson was also by his side throughout his recovery before he returned to racing.
Rebecca Donaldson has become friends with other F1 partners
Away from the cameras, Donaldson has settled comfortably into the Formula 1 community.
She is frequently seen spending time with several other partners of current drivers, including Alexandra Leclerc, wife of Charles Leclerc, and Carmen Mundt, the long-time partner of George Russell.
The close friendships between the paddock’s partners have become increasingly visible in recent seasons, with Donaldson often appearing alongside them during race weekends.
She briefly dated Scott Disick
Before her relationship with Sainz, Donaldson attracted international attention through a brief romance with reality television personality Scott Disick.
The pair made their red carpet debut together at the premiere of Hulu’s The Kardashians in Los Angeles in April 2022.
However, the relationship proved short-lived, with reports confirming they had gone their separate ways only a few months later.
Rebecca Donaldson has influenced Carlos Sainz’s style
Donaldson’s background in fashion has even extended into Sainz’s wardrobe.
During the 2025 Miami Grand Prix weekend, she was asked which Formula 1 driver she believed was the best dressed. Her answer came without hesitation. “Obviously Carlos Sainz… because I buy his clothes.”
It was a rare glimpse into the couple’s relationship and perfectly summed up the light-hearted dynamic they occasionally reveal despite generally preferring to keep their romance private.
A relationship kept largely out of the spotlight
Unlike some of Formula 1’s more high-profile couples, Sainz and Donaldson have deliberately kept their relationship understated.
That hasn’t stopped fans from spotting the Scottish model supporting the Williams driver around the world, but the pair continue to let Sainz’s performances on track do most of the talking.
Even so, Sainz has occasionally offered a playful insight into their relationship. During a light-hearted exchange in 2025, he joked that he would marry Donaldson in Las Vegas, one of the few times he has publicly referenced their romance.
For a couple who value privacy, those moments are rare. But whenever Donaldson appears in the paddock, she remains one of the most recognisable partners in Formula 1, balancing a successful modelling career and growing business interests while quietly supporting one of the sport’s biggest names.
Seen in:
