F1 on Land, What on Sea? A Look at the Luxury Yachts of Star Drivers
For the world's top racing drivers, time at sea is the perfect counterbalance to a fast-paced racing career. Fernando Alonso once said: "When I'm on a catamaran, the pace of life is completely different. I slow down, it's like entering a slow-motion world... I can truly enjoy every second of every day."
Lewis Hamilton
Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton purchased a Sunseeker 90 in 2009 for $4 million. The yacht features American walnut furniture, luxurious interiors, and a professional-grade kitchen, and is typically moored at the Monaco Marina.
The yacht is 28 meters long, with a top speed of 30 knots and a cruising speed of 22 knots. It features a dining area that comfortably seats eight, four cabins accommodating up to eight guests, and an additional crew cabin. The latest Sunseeker 90 is reportedly valued at over $6 million.
Additionally, Hamilton has chartered several high-profile yachts, especially during the Monaco Grand Prix, for parties and events, including the 55-meter Baglietto yacht Severin's.
Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen became the owner of Unleash the Lion in 2025.
Built by Italian yacht builder Overmarine, the Mangusta GranSport 33 is rumored to have been commissioned to commemorate his fourth consecutive championship, with an estimated market value of $15 million.
The yacht is 33 meters long, accommodating 12 guests and 5 crew members. It balances performance and comfort, being one of the first large yachts to feature the Volvo Penta IPS1350 system, achieving a top speed of 26 knots with lower fuel consumption and enhanced maneuverability. Notable features include a spacious sunbathing deck, beach club, and ample outdoor lounging areas.
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc took delivery of his personal yacht MONZA in 2020.
MONZA is from Riva Yacht, part of the Ferretti Group, with a market value of around $2 million. The model is 48 Dolceriva, currently the smallest yacht in Leclerc's fleet.
In August this year, Leclerc was spotted on a yacht named Sedici (Italian for 16, his driver number) while on holiday. This yacht is also from Riva Yacht, model 82 Diva.
Additionally, Leclerc was seen on a Riva 66 Ribelle yacht also named Sedici in 2022. This is the most frequently seen yacht in Leclerc's vlogs and Instagram posts. It is 20 meters long, equipped with two MAN engines, reaching a top speed of 37 knots and a cruising speed of 33 knots.
Notably, from 2016 to 2024, Riva was one of the sponsors of the Ferrari F1 team.
George Russell
George Russell purchased a brand-new Pershing 6X yacht built by the Ferretti Group in Italy this year.
Built in Mondolfo, Italy, the Pershing 6X is a 62-foot luxury sports yacht equipped with twin MAN V12 1550 engines, reaching a top speed of 48 knots. Its carbon fiber structure, advanced propulsion system, and dynamic profile combine luxury and agility, appealing to owners who value design, speed, and performance.
Fernando Alonso
Alonso is one of the most well-known owners of Sunreef yachts. He took delivery of a custom 18.3-meter Sunreef Power Eco electric catamaran in 2023.
He describes the vessel as a "water villa." In a 2023 interview with BOAT International, he said: "I long to sail in absolute silence, with no exhaust fumes, no vibrations. This perfectly aligns with the idea of being on the blue waters of the Mediterranean and protecting the ocean we love."
Alonso first encountered the Sunreef brand through a charter experience, calling it a "magical journey." The catalyst for ordering his own yacht was his move to Monaco, where he increasingly appreciated the stability and space of catamarans. "Compared to monohulls, catamarans can sail closer to the coast."
The model he chose features an ultra-light battery pack and advanced solar panel system covering 68.6 square meters, providing up to 13 kWp of clean energy. The interior uses sustainable materials and comfortably accommodates six guests and four crew members.
"Yacht life shouldn't be about self-display. For me, it's a journey of sharing good times and respecting nature."
Lance Stroll
Faith was built by Dutch yacht builder Feadship, model Project 714, measuring nearly 80 meters in length, with an estimated market value of $225 million. Faith is powered by two MTU 16v 4000 engines, reaching a top speed of 17 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots.
According to industry media Luxury Launches, Project 714 is a five-deck superyacht featuring a beach club, a swimming pool, and an extended bow that can serve as a helipad. The yacht has seven cabins accommodating 14 guests.
Before Faith, Stroll senior owned a 100-meter Feadship (now renamed Sophia), which he sold to Michael Latifi, father of former F1 driver Nicholas Latifi.
Beyond these stars, many F1 professionals also own yachts, such as aerodynamic master Adrian Newey and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
Toto Wolff is a well-known enthusiast of the America's Cup and superyacht design. He has owned and chartered several vessels, including a 50-meter Mangusta motor yacht worth $27 million, and contributed to the technical program of INEOS Britannia for the 2024 America's Cup.
He also collaborated with Luca Bassani of Wally to design a 65-meter carbon fiber sailboat, but due to time constraints, it remains a concept.
In 2024, Toto Wolff said in an interview that he is looking to invest in a more modern yacht and described his ideal vessel. "Seaworthiness goes without saying; I want to sail around the world. It must also incorporate new technologies in terms of emissions. There should be enough space for a tender and water sports. I want a large gym. I think current gyms on yachts are not big enough. It needs a helicopter garage because I don't want an external helicopter to affect the aesthetics."
｜Image sources: Official websites of yacht companies, social media accounts