F1's New It Couple: Stroll & Shelbia

The world of Formula One has a new power couple on the horizon, but their budding romance is already facing an intense public spotlight. A leaked photo of Aston Martin's Lance Stroll, 26, and Israeli model Yael Shelbia, 23, has ignited a firestorm of speculation and controversy across social media and news outlets.

The viral image, which shows the two on holiday in an undisclosed location, has led to a flurry of reports suggesting Shelbia is Formula One's newest WAG (wives and girlfriends). While neither party has officially confirmed the relationship, sources close to the pair indicate they have been spending time together in Tel Aviv. The sighting is a notable shift for both, as their most recent public relationships were with different partners.

Shelbia, famously dubbed "the most beautiful woman in the world" after topping TC Candler's 2021 list, was previously in a relationship with Israeli singer Omer Adam, a romance that reportedly ended in early 2025. Stroll's last known partner was model Sara Pagliaroli, who was a regular presence in the F1 paddock.

The news of the potential pairing has not been without its drama. The online response has been polarized, with some fans celebrating the union while others have been quick to criticize. Shelbia has been a frequent target of online trolling for her looks and career, but this new development has brought an entirely new wave of scrutiny.

Beyond the gossip, the news has drawn in geopolitical controversy, with Shelbia's mandatory military service with the Israeli Air Force and her personal background as an Orthodox Jew being used as ammunition by pro-Palestinian activists online. The outrage has extended to Stroll for his visit to Tel Aviv and for being seen with her, with some critics on social media calling for a boycott of Aston Martin. The team has not commented on the matter.

In the midst of the whirlwind, Yael Shelbia's private life, which she has fiercely guarded, is now under unprecedented public scrutiny. While her previous dating life with American billionaire Brandon Korff and singer Omer Adam was well-documented, her new connection to the high-profile and often-criticized world of Formula One adds a new layer of complexity.

Meanwhile, Stroll's season on the track has been difficult, with the driver struggling to find form and facing public criticism over his on-track performance and occasional outbursts. The increased off-track attention will only add to the pressure on the young driver.

As the F1 season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Shelbia appears in the paddock, offering a clear sign of the seriousness of their relationship. For now, the leaked photo remains the only evidence of a budding romance that has already stirred up more drama than a typical race weekend.