Looking heavenly in shimmering angel wings and a diamante bikini, this was Lewis Hamilton's new girlfriend yesterday. Vivian Burkhardt took to the catwalk at a fashion show in her home country of Grenada, modelling a selection of spectacular outfits.
Sparkling: Vivian Burkhardt steps out on the catwalk at a fashion show in her native Grenada The 22-year-old beauty is already a local celebrity, having been crowned Miss Grenada World last year – and subsequently getting to the semi-finals of Miss World. Formula One star Hamilton stepped out publicly with her for the first time at the Cannes Film Festival on Sunday. But, according to her mother Valerie, she returned home this week so as not to be a distraction to the 23-year-old driver as he prepares for Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix.
Miss Grenada World: Vivian won the title last year She said the couple write to one another every week. "Lewis seems like a nice man and I trust Vivian to make the right decision," she added. "She is very careful about who she dates and we support her fully. "It's too soon to be talking about wedding bells. They are taking things slowly but surely. She is not after his fame – she is a good, honest girl. "They both respect each other and the work that they do." She said her daughter has had only one other boyfriend, with whom she split 18 months ago.
Bikini babe: Lewis Hamilton met Vivian in Grenada in February Vivian met Hamilton in Grenada in February, when he asked her out for a meal – then he invited her to Cannes. "She took the invite very seriously," said her mother. "She knew what it would be like being seen together in public and discussed this with Lewis. "She also consulted friends and family so we were all prepared. Lewis seems very keen, but this was still only their second date." Vivian, who is studying for a natural science degree in Grenada, plans to meet Hamilton in London in June. And in Monaco yesterday, without her distracting presence, he turned in the fastest lap while practising for Sunday's race. Hamilton – Britain's highest-paid sportsman, with a £75million basic salary alone from McLaren Mercedes over the next five years – split from his previous girlfriend Jodia Ma last June.
Starting grid for romance: The couple's first public date in Cannes on Sunday