In Monaco, where Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and other supercars are practically part of the scenery, the F1 driver Carlos Sainz has chosen a much more modest vehicle for some of his trips: a Fiat Topolino. But there was no way the Spanish driver was going to drive a car straight out of the configurator. His little electric car has been extensively customized, with several details that seem to be a direct reference to his girlfriend, Rebecca Donaldson.
New images now allow us to take a close look at this Topolino from every angle. And behind its playful appearance lies a design that seems to have been tailored for couples.
A red Topolino that's unmistakable
The basic design remains instantly recognizable. The Fiat Topolino, the Italian cousin of the Citroën Ami, retains its very compact shape and two small round headlights. Carlos Sainz’s model, however, stands out for its all-red body, right down to the wheels, which feature this color with a light-colored rim. Above all, this Topolino has an open-top configuration that seems perfectly suited to the Monegasque climate. The traditional doors have been replaced by simple drawstrings, while the interior is protected by a soft top.
A tartan pattern that extends all the way to the roof and the seats
You can’t miss the pattern chosen for the interior. The headliner, door panels, seats, dashboard, and even the side trim are upholstered in a tartan-patterned fabric, featuring mainly red, dark blue, and thin yellow and green lines. This choice is no coincidence. Rebecca Donaldson is Scottish, so this tartan serves as a particularly prominent nod to the origins of Carlos Sainz’s girlfriend. The result completely transforms the atmosphere of the little Fiat. Whereas a classic Topolino embraces a summery, Mediterranean vibe, this one almost takes on the feel of a small British beach car, while retaining a red hue strongly associated with the Italian automotive world.
«CS» and «RD»: their initials embroidered on the seats
The most personal detail, however, can be found on the headrests. The driver’s headrest bears the letters «CS» for Carlos Sainz, while the other reads «RD» for Rebecca Donaldson. The initials are embroidered in white on a red background, still surrounded by the same tartan. This detail confirms the highly personal nature of this project: this Topolino seems to have been configured not only for Carlos Sainz, but truly around the couple. It’s also worth noting that the tartan appears practically everywhere possible, even on the rear portion of the cabin.
In Monaco, 45 km/h may actually be enough
Carlos Sainz is one of the few people capable of driving a Formula 1 car at over 300 km/h, but on the streets of Monaco, a tiny electric Fiat limited to 45 km/h can prove far more practical. And he’s not the only driver who’s realized this. Max Verstappen also owns a Topolino, while Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and Lando Norris have already been spotted in various small Fiats in the Principality.
English 
French 
Italian 
Spanish 
German 
Japanese 
Dutch