How F1 Drivers Spent Their Summer Break: From Red Carpets to Two-Wheel Adventures
As the Formula 1 season takes a pause, drivers have been indulging in a mix of glamorous events and personal hobbies. From Esteban Ocon's red carpet moment to Valtteri Bottas' cycling exploits, here's a look at their summer shenanigans.
With the summer break providing a well-earned pause from the high-octane world of Formula 1, drivers have been busy enjoying a mix of leisure and passion projects. While some opted for complete relaxation, others shared snippets of their off-track adventures with fans. Here's a glimpse into how some of the grid spent their summer downtime.
Esteban Ocon's Superhero Summer Esteban Ocon, a self-confessed Marvel enthusiast, had a particularly memorable start to his break. The Haas driver was invited to the Spider-Man: Brand New Day premiere in London, where he walked the red carpet with his partner Flavy. Ocon has had a 'Spidey' couple of weeks, having previously showcased a Spider-Man themed helmet in Belgium and Hungary, designed in collaboration with Tom Holland. Naturally, he brought this unique helmet along to the premiere, adding a touch of superhero flair to the event. Perhaps we'll see Ocon in a cameo role in the future?
Alex Albon's South African Sojourn While many drivers were catching up on sleep, Alex Albon was jetting off to South Africa for a whirlwind visit. The Williams driver made a brief stop for a fan event, meeting President Cyril Ramaphosa and sampling local delicacies. Albon's short stay marked the first visit by an active Williams driver to South Africa since Alain Prost's victory at the 1993 Grand Prix. Safe to say, Albon might be planning a longer visit next time.
Valtteri Bottas' Two-Wheel Racing Valtteri Bottas couldn't resist the call of competition, even during his break. The Cadillac driver participated in the UCI Gravel World Series in Hlinsko, finishing fifth in his age group over a grueling 131km. His partner, Tiffany Cromwell, also competed, securing seventh place in her category. Bottas balanced his competitive streak with relaxation, spending time in saunas, swimming, and enjoying a drink or two.
Golfing Getaways It seems no F1 summer break is complete without a few rounds of golf. Drivers often find solace on the golf course, honing their mental focus and enjoying a bit of friendly rivalry. Lewis Hamilton was spotted with Australian golfer Min Woo Lee, perhaps planning a crossover event of their own. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri has been working on his golf game following McLaren's foray into the sport, eyeing a spot on their pro team.
Nautical Nonsense The allure of the sea was too strong for many drivers, who swapped asphalt for waves. Kimi Antonelli shared his morning routine on social media, hitting the water with gusto. Oscar Piastri opted for a more serene aquatic experience, savoring the break from racing. George Russell, however, embraced the thrill of a jet ski ride, with a nod to James Bond. The search for the next 007 is on, and Russell might just throw his hat into the ring.
Family and Friends Beyond the glitzy events and sports, drivers valued time with loved ones. Gabriel Bortoleto enjoyed seaside moments with his partner, while Esteban Ocon took in the sights after his movie premiere escapade.
Back to the Track Not all drivers could resist the lure of the track. Franco Colapinto stayed on at the Hungaroring post-race to participate in Pirelli tyre testing alongside Gabriel Bortoleto and Aston Martin's reserve driver Jak Crawford. Their efforts contributed to the development of 2027's tyre options, proving that even during a break, the urge to drive remains strong.
In the world of Formula 1, even downtime is filled with excitement and adventure. Whether they're embracing the glamour of Hollywood or the simplicity of a golf course, these drivers know how to make the most of their summer break.