RADIANT Rebecca Donaldson soaks up the sun as she adjusts to life with her Formula 1 boyfriend Carlos Sainz.

The Scottish model, 28, who was first linked to the Ferrari driver last June, wore a floral bikini during a beach photoshoot.

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Rebecca has since appeared at F1 races with the 29-year-old Spaniard, including the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November.

He was replaced by British prodigy Oliver Bearman, 18, during last Saturday’s F1 battle in Saudi Arabia after being struck down with appendicitis.

At least he had the comfort of a pit stop with Rebecca.

Rebecca gained a foothold in the modeling world when she won her first beauty pageant at the age of 17.

“My mother came to see me and I was really surprised when I found out,” she told the Daily Record in 2011.

In addition to her successful modeling career, Donaldson is the founder of Muse, an activewear clothing line she started during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I knew I wanted to create something that I would not only wear and be proud to put my name on, but also something that was missing on the market: affordable, good quality products that are also great for everyday wear, because I found myself struggling to find items that covered all these aspects,” she told Vestd in 2021.

The clothes you’ll find at Muse are transferable from the gym to everyday life and use a neutral, seasonal color palette to make the clothing optional all year round.

• Lewis Hamilton agreed to a shock £40m move from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025
• The Brit hopes to dethrone Red Bull's Max Verstappen with the Scuderia
• But David Coulthard says Hamilton's biggest threat could be his new teammate

By Ben Willcocks for Mailonline

Published: 06:53 EST, February 10, 2024 | Updated: 07:37 EST, February 10, 2024

Lewis Hamilton has electrified Formula 1 by signing a deal worth more than £40 million to complete his career at Ferrari.

Last night it was even confirmed that the seven-time world champion will join the world's most famous sports brand from 2025, even if the drama at football's transfer deadline.

When he heard the news, there were hollow faces and distraught faces at Mercedes, the team where Hamilton, 39, has won six of his seven world championships. They didn't see this coming. Mail Sport understands that his team boss Toto Wolff was shocked to hear about the news on Tuesday.

Hamilton had claimed he would end his career with the Silver Arrows. He said he would be a brand ambassador there for the rest of his life. Not so.

It has been an opposing preoccupation of Hamilton's life to one day drive for Ferrari, a dream that dates back to after his debut in Grand Prix racing that began in 2007.

As this newspaper reported in May last year, he was in talks with Ferrari to join them. Yet Hamilton, Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur and Wolff publicly disdained this idea.

The landmark deal was brokered during secret negotiations with Ferrari President John Elkann, the chosen heir to the Fiat dynasty embellished in large part by his grandfather, the late Gianni Agnelli, playboy superstar and supreme multi-billionaire industrialist of the post-war Italy.

In a statement issued last night, Ferrari said: 'Scuderia Ferrari is pleased to announce that Lewis Hamilton will join the team in 2025 on a multi-year contract.'

Hamilton added: “I have had eleven great years with this team and I am so proud of what we have achieved together.

'Mercedes has been part of my life since I was thirteen years old. It's a place where I grew up, so the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. But for me the time has come to take this step and I am looking forward to taking on a new challenge.

“I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto for his friendship and leadership, and I want to end together on a high.” I am 100% committed to delivering the best possible performance this season and making my final year with the Silver Arrows one to remember.”

Team principal Toto Wolff added: 'In terms of the combination of team and driver, our relationship with Lewis has become the most successful the sport has ever seen, and that is something we can look back on with pride; Lewis will always be an important part of Mercedes' motorsport history. However, we knew that at some point our collaboration would naturally end, and that day has now arrived.

“We accept Lewis's decision to seek a new challenge, and our opportunities for the future are exciting to think about.” But for now we have one more season to go and we are focusing on racing to deliver a strong 2024.”

The news is undoubtedly the biggest transfer in F1 history, even eclipsing Hamilton's move from McLaren to Mercedes in 2012/2013. He will partner Charles Leclerc, the young prince from Monaco, who has just signed a deal to stay at the Scuderia until 2029 with a salary worth up to £35 million, including bonuses.

Leclerc's current partner Carlos Sainz, who will be at Ferrari next season but not beyond, faces a suddenly uncertain future. His contract negotiations stalled in December last year – and we now know why.

At Mercedes, gloom. They have the excellent George Russell, but who will they work with next year? Maybe his friend from Williams, Alex Albon. But Mercedes has a huge job to do to turn themselves back into the automatic, successful machine they once were.

Hamilton's decision is a small indication of their ability to reinvigorate themselves. He clearly doesn't believe Mercedes can conjure up a winning program in the context of his career – or at least he doubts it.

Like his 103 other record victories, he has not won a race since losing the title to Max Verstappen in that controversial race in Abu Dhabi in 2021.

Meanwhile, F1 experts have offered a more considered take on the huge news.

Martin Brundle said: “I'm so looking forward to this. We've been asking him about it for years and he seemed glued to Merc for life and was always reluctant to move. Hamilton and Leclerc in scarlet red, that's a story.'

David Croft added: 'Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari! Always thought it would happen one day, but eventually it will happen and it seems as early as 2025.

“A seismic move, just like when Lewis joined Mercedes, and just like then I don't see the negative sides. But wow, undoubtedly the biggest transfer on transfer deadline day!'

Former driver Karun Chandhok explained that the romance of one last world title with Ferrari was too good to turn down.

'I tried to understand: 'Where is the logic in a Ferrari move?' Maybe there isn't… Lewis has more money than he could ever spend, hasn't won a race in more than two years, and maybe his heart yearned for a new challenge.

'Winning an 8th title in a Ferrari would be an incredible legacy!'

Brad Pitt, Rod Stewart and Gordon Ramsay led the stars who headed en masse to the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Friday.

Celebrities have flocked to the opening event, as drivers race against the backdrop of several Vegas landmarks, including the Bellagio Fountains, Mandalay Bay, Caesars Palace and the new spherical MSG Sphere.

Hollywood star Brad, 59, led the finish line as he cut a casual figure in a gray jersey as he stood in the pit lane at the Heinekin Silver Grand Prix of Las Vegas ahead of Saturday night’s big race.

Brad is set to star in a Formula 1-based film, and filmed footage on location during the first half of the F1 season, including shots of him driving a Formula 2 car with an added Formula 1 aero package at the Silverstone Circuit in July.

He visited the Grand Prix amid his busy schedule shooting with director Joseph Kosinski for the untitled film, in which he plays a Formula 1 veteran who comes out of retirement to train an up-and-coming driver.

Brad was seen stopping to have a chat while watching Friday’s practice, which descended into chaos when a drain cover came loose on the track.

Elsewhere, singer Rod, 78, and celebrity chef Gordon, 57, were also seen in the Red Bull Racing garage.

Rod looked suave in a vibrant yellow velvet suit, which he teamed with a patterned waistcoat and white shirt.

Opting for a more casual figure, Gordon wore a white T-shirt and marl cardigan as he chatted to Rod, who posed playfully for the cameras.

Rod was also joined by his wife Penny Lancaster as they visited the Grand Prix ahead of the star’s performance in Las Vegas.

The rocker is currently performing his The Hits residency at Caesars Palace, with Formula 1 also taking place in Sin City on Sunday, November 19.

Meanwhile, Gordon – who recently welcomed his sixth child, a boy called Jesse James, with wife Tana, 49 – was joined by his daughter Holly, 23.

Geri Horner also supported her husband Christian Horner – the director of Red Bull Racing – as she accompanied him to the star-studded Grand Prix.

The Grand Prix was packed with entertainment as Kylie Minogue took to the stage as the main act during the opening ceremony on Thursday.

The casinos and clubs have packages for fans looking for something to do while they wait for the cars to hit the track each night, including Kylie’s show.

Other acts at the glitzy ceremony included Tiësto, John Legend, Journey, Keith Urban, Jared Leto, Steve Aoki, J Balvin and Andra Day.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix events are scheduled for November 16-18, with the race itself taking place on Saturday evening.

The last time the city hosted an F1 race was in 1982, when it was home to the Caesars Palace Grand Prix.

However, Friday descended into farce when practice was halted after just eight minutes when a drain cover came loose on the track, causing significant damage to Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari.

And angry fans – some of whom paid $200 to attend – were kicked out before the second session could start at 2.30am local time, two and a half hours later than scheduled.

But the drivers returned to the circuit on Saturday evening, with Ferrari favorite Charles Leclerc claiming pole ahead of his stricken teammate Sainz.

The Spanish driver even kept his promise to appear at a fan event in the city and seemed to be having a great time with fellow Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc.

Event chiefs will pray that Thursday’s on-track fiasco becomes a distant memory by the end of a weekend that saw 105,000 F1 fans – including some paying up to $185,000 (£150,000) – take to the Sin City circuit.

Sainz was assessed a 10-place grid penalty for repairs required to his car after driving over the drain cover. This drops his starting position to 12th, even though the accident was not his fault.

When he talked about it earlier on Friday, he looked much less happy than he did during his fan event appearance.

He said: ‘Unfortunately the team told me when the session ended that I was given a 10 place grid penalty for something that was not my fault and the team’s fault and obviously this has completely affected my mentality and my opinion of the weekend and what the weekend is like changed. go from now on.

‘You won’t see me so happy this weekend. What happened for me today is a very clear example of how this sport can be improved in so many ways.”

Wags and influencers are out on force for the Las Vegas Grand Prix – as the sport hopes the new day will bring a fresh start for Formula One in Sin City.

Friday descended into farce as the first practice was abandoned after only eight minutes when a drain cover came loose on the track, causing substantial damage to Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari.

And furious fans – some of whom paid $200 to be there – were then kicked out before the second session could begin at 2:30am local time, two-and-a-half hours later than scheduled.

But drivers headed back to the track on Saturday night – where Ferrari favourite Charles Leclerc claimed pole ahead of his stricken teammate, Sainz.

The Spanish driver even honored a commitment to appear at a fan event in the city and looked to be enjoying himself alongside his fellow Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc.

Event chiefs will be praying Thursday’s track fiasco becomes a distant memory at the end of a weekend in which 105,000 F1 fans – including some paying up to $185,000 (£150,000) – pack out the Sin City circuit. 

Sainz was penalized with a 10-place grid penalty for repairs needed to his car after driving over the drain cover – which will drop his starting position down to 12th despite the accident being no fault of his own. 

Speaking about it earlier on Friday, he looked far less happy than during his fan event appearance.

He said: ‘Unfortunately as the session finished the team told me I was taking a 10 place grid penalty for something that I and the team have no fault and obviously this has changed completely my mindset and my opinion on the weekend and how the weekend is going to go from now on.

‘You will not see me very happy this weekend. What happened today for me is a very clear example of how this sport can be improved in so many ways.’

Celebrities have turned out in force to watch the inaugural event – as drivers race to the backdrop of several Vegas landmarks, including the Bellagio fountains, Mandalay Bay, Caesars Palace, and the new ball-shaped MSG Sphere. 

A$AP Rocky and Rihanna turn heads with a passionate display of affectionas he launched his Puma x F1 Collection.

And Paris Hilton donned a sparkly race suit as she mucked in and jumped into a McLaren race simulator.

Renee Zellwegger looked to be soaking in the view as she watched on in wonder, wearing a rigged cap and her hair in a loose bun.

Alongside her in the paddock was Bridget Jones Baby co-star Patrick Dempsey – who stylishly congratulated victorious Leclerc in a red blazer and pocket square.

Brad Pitt – who is soon to star in a Formula One based film, Apex – looked collected as also joined the fray.

Meanwhile, Rod Stewart and Gordon Ramsay made an unlikely pair as they chatted in the Red Bull garage – as the Sailing singer entered into the fun with his wife and former model Penny Lancaster.

Geri Halliwell cut a stylish figure in cream as she returned to her hotel late last night – after a long day supporting her Red Bull boss husband Christian Horner.

Alpine stakeholder Rob McElhenney and his wife and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia co-star Kaitlin Olson were also spotted among the drivers and mechanics – at a race where Alpine driver Esteban Ocon is wearing a Deadpool helmet in honour of the star’s Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds.

George Russell, Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate, arrived at the track with his girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt. Francisca Gomes, girlfriend of Pierre Gasly, was also seen having a laugh as she walked around the paddock.

And influencer and model Veronika Rajek was also seen arriving for practice and qualifying. She is well known to some as being a big Tom Brady fan but her sporting interest clearly extends into F1 as well.

Sainz will not be the only one disappointed by the qualifying results – with McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri failing to get out of the bottom five despite arriving at the Grand Prix following a stunning run of form.

Lewis Hamilton also suffered a bad evening, qualifying 11th, having finished a crushing eighth, 63 seconds off winner Verstappen, last time out in Brazil.

His British Mercedes team-mate George Russell was fourth best over the 3.8-mile circuit.

And Dutch superstar Max Verstappen – who has enough points that he could claim the Constructors Championship on his own – only managed third behind both Ferraris.

But in a stunning turn of form, both Williams cars raced into the third round of qualifying – with Alex Albon clutching sixth while American rookie Logan Sargeant managed seventh.

Lewis Hamilton was seen arriving in a flamboyant all-red outfit and sunglasses that caught the eye in the City of Lights.

The Mercedes driver said in the build-up to the race that the cold temperatures at night pose a unique challenge to drivers this week and it was 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 celsius) when he arrived at the track on Friday.

Despite the glitz and the glamour of Vegas, critics have accused F1 of ‘ruining the beauty of Vegas and pricing out people’, while Europeans have hit out at the race starting at 10pm local time on Saturday – which is 6am Sunday in the UK.

Three-time world champion Verstappen, who is expected to win his 18th race of the season, described the GP as ’99 per cent show and one per cent sporting event’.

Organisers have pumped more than £1.3bn into the Las Vegas GP, bringing the sport back to Sin City for the first time since the Caesars Palace Grand Prix was held there in 1981 and 1982. 

The ire came as current F1 champ and three time world champion Max Verstappen – who previously said he disliked the excessive glitz and glamour surrounding the Grand Prix in Vegas – added to event organisers’ woes.

Judging by the star-studded opening ceremony on Wednesday night – and the sheer amount of money invested into the event – it is clear that F1 is leaving no stone unturned to make an impression.

Some £196million was spent on buying a plot of land, while a further £327million was invested to build a permanent pit building and to prepare the 3.85-mile track. F1 has said the track won’t need to be resurfaced for at least another six years.

When asked by F1 journalist Lawrence Barretto whether the circuit was fun to drive and whether he enjoyed it, a deadpan Max responded: ‘No. I’ve had better tracks in my life.’

Meanwhile, the nocturnal timing of the practice sessions is sure to have angered local residents as the cacophony of engine roars blight the Strip overnight.

F1 commentator and influencer Matt Gallagher said: ‘I can’t believe I’m currently watching cars going round at 3:45am.

‘If the Vegas residents didn’t hate F1 before, they certainly do now.’

F1 Las Vegas said in a statement: ‘There is no higher priority at a Formula 1 race than the safety and security of drivers, fans and staff alike.

‘Following last night’s incident involving a water valve cover, the Las Vegas Grand Prix, F1 and the FIA decided to take extra precautions to ensure the integrity of the track prior to the resumption of racing.

‘These additional measures required multiple hours to fully complete, which led ot a significant delay in the race schedule.

‘Given the lateness of the hour and logistical concerns regarding the safe movement of fans and employees out of the circuit, LVGP made the difficult decision to close the fan zones prior to the beginning of Free Practice 2.

‘With a full round of practice successfully completed, LVGP looks forward to providing a safe and entertaining race weekend for all.’

The addition of Las Vegas to the racing calendar comes in the wake of some dubious race locations. F1 has held races in countries such as Bahrain, China, Azerbaijan, Russia and Abu Dhabi which sparked concerns over their human rights records.

But celebrating the new addition, drivers and teams have turned out in force with new liveries, helmet designs and race suits especially for the event. 

Looking ahead to the Las Vegas race, F1 chairman and CEO Stefano Domenicali said: ‘It is going to look incredible on TV and will be an unforgettable event to be at in person.’

Earlier this week, F1’s owners Liberty Media had to apologise to Las Vegas residents about the road closures causing traffic and the grandstands blocking Sin City landmarks.

CEO Greg Maffei said: ‘I want to apologise to all the Las Vegas residents and we appreciate that they have their forbearance and their willingness to tolerate us.

‘We’re going to bring something like $1.7 billion of revenue to the area. So it’s not just for the benefit of fans who want to view. We hope this is a great economic benefit in Las Vegas.

‘We hope this is the most difficult year with all the construction that went on and things will be easier in the future.’

Ticket prices and hotel rates had plummeted for the event last week, and although tickets still remain directly from the Las Vegas Grand Prix site, brokers are now reporting there’s been a last-minute uptick in interest.

Gametime said the top-priced seats are listed at $7,109 for the weekend, up from $4,613 one week ago.

Stubhub, meanwhile, said the Las Vegas Grand Prix is the best-selling F1 race of the year and ranks among the top 10 highest-selling sporting events of the entire year globally on the secondary site.

The ticketing company said half of the tickets sold have been since F1’s Nov. 5 race in Brazil, and that 30 per cent of tickets purchased are from California-based buyers.

It’s the most expensive race to attend on this year’s 24-event calendar.

Both Ferrari’s Charles LeClerc and Scuderia AlphaTauri’s Daniel Ricciardo have expressed concerns over the high ticket prices.

‘I hope that Formula 1 is working around that because for sure there’s been many events now that are just incredibly expensive,’ LeClerc told RaceFans. 

Ricciardo added: ‘I would love that everyone can have the option to attend. Obviously I’m not the business behind the sport. 

‘I don’t want to say it’s my ignorance, but I would still love that the general admission [ticket] is affordable for anyone, whatever job they have.

‘Also like real fans that really love the sport cannot even afford to get to the races and actually watch the races. So this is definitely an issue that has to be tackled.’

• Las Vegas is bracing for this weekend’s star-studded Formula 1 Grand Prix
• Some of the best drivers in the world arrived for the opening ceremony on Wednesday
• DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news

By Oliver Salt for Dailymail.Com

Published: 10:40 PM EST, November 15, 2023 | Updated: 11:34 PM EST, November 15, 2023