Source: Official Team Post via X
F1 Drivers Unwind in Langkawi: Karting, Chess, and Camaraderie Before Bahrain GP
Ahead of the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, several F1 drivers took a break for a unique getaway in Langkawi. The trip, combining relaxation and training, offered rare downtime and bonding opportunities.
Before the engines roar at the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, a group of F1 drivers decided to swap their cockpits for a more leisurely setting on the island of Langkawi. This impromptu 'boys' holiday training camp' was a mix of karting, chess, and some serious gym time.
The idea for the getaway surfaced at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, when Williams teammates Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz let slip that a few drivers planned to spend some downtime together. Albon hinted at a casual gathering, while Sainz confirmed it, noting it would be a resort stay 'in the middle of nowhere' with no girlfriends in tow.
As it turned out, the group included George Russell, Oliver Bearman, Oscar Piastri, Gabriel Bortoleto, and even former driver Roberto Merhi. The trip came together almost by chance, according to Sainz, who spotted several drivers trying to fly from Baku to Malaysia. "Why not detour to a nice resort instead?" he suggested, sparking the idea.
Settling on Langkawi, the drivers embraced the island's offerings, from scenic cycling to gym sessions, all while sneaking in a bit of sightseeing. For Sainz, the break was a rare chance to interact with fellow drivers outside the frenetic pace of race weekends. "It was a bit of a social experiment," he quipped, as he relished getting to know his peers better.
Among the group was Lando Norris, who opted for a quieter activity over karting, choosing instead to play chess on the beach. "Everyone else went karting, but I decided it was a good time for some training and relaxation," Norris explained, adding that the karting stories hinted at some rather aggressive driving.
Indeed, the karting session was anything but gentle. Russell, racing under the pseudonym 'G Dawg', shared tales of competitive chaos, with Bortoleto picking up bruises and Piastri nearly cracking a rib. "I thought it was going to be chaos, and it was," Russell admitted, laughing about the 'banger race' atmosphere.
Despite the fun, the trip also had a serious side as drivers prepared for the demanding conditions in Malaysia and Singapore. Bearman described it as an effective training camp, while Piastri appreciated the chance to disconnect from the pressures of racing.
Norris, however, remains skeptical about the effect such bonding might have on the track. "We might hang out off the track, but put a helmet on and it's a different story," he said. Nevertheless, the trip's mix of camaraderie and competition seemed to leave everyone in high spirits.
As the drivers returned to their racing routines, the trip remains a fond memory, with the possibility of it being featured in an upcoming season of Netflix's _Drive to Survive_. For now, fans can only hope that the cameras captured some of the island's unique blend of leisure and rivalry.