With a rare break between races, F1 drivers found creative ways to unwind before the Austrian Grand Prix. From McLaren's celebrations to Senna's vintage drive, here's how they spent their downtime.
As Formula 1 gears up for the scenic Austrian Grand Prix, drivers have been making the most of a rare breather between Barcelona and the Styrian hills. This little pause allowed them to indulge in everything from team celebrations to cultural festivities.
McLaren returned to their Woking base to continue celebrating 1000 Grands Prix. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri had the honor of unveiling a statue of Mika Hakkinen, adding to the lineup of McLaren legends like Bruce McLaren, Niki Lauda, and Ayrton Senna. It was a fitting tribute to the 'Flying Finn,' who won the 1998 Drivers’ Championship with the team.
Yuki Tsunoda and Zhou Guanyu took on some crucial tyre testing in Barcelona. Tsunoda returned to the Red Bull cockpit, while Zhou had his first go in a Cadillac F1 car. Despite the heat, both seemed to relish the chance to get back on the track.
Carlos Sainz used the break to announce a grandstand for his fans at the upcoming Madring street circuit race. This new addition promises to bring the same electric atmosphere seen in Barcelona, giving fans yet another reason to look forward to the September race.
Valtteri Bottas celebrated Midsummer in his native Finland, enjoying the festivities with some cycling in nature. Arvid Lindblad also marked the occasion with throwback photos, although he couldn't make it to Sweden this time.
Alpine's drivers balanced training with relaxation. Pierre Gasly kept tabs on the World Cup, cheering for France's win over Senegal, while Franco Colapinto was inspired by Lionel Messi’s hat-trick to hit the hills for some running.
Ollie Bearman got a unique opportunity to drive Ayrton Senna’s 1985 Lotus 97T at Silverstone. This iconic car, in which Senna claimed his first Grand Prix win, offered Bearman a memorable experience and perhaps some extra motivation for the weekend ahead.
As the drivers head to the Red Bull Ring for the Austrian Grand Prix, they've certainly found diverse ways to recharge and prepare. Whether celebrating legends or living them, they seem ready to tackle the upcoming races with renewed vigor.