How the F1 drivers including Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have spent their winter break so far

The start of the 2022 season is just around the corner. However, before they line up at the grid in Bahrain, the drivers have been golfing, cycling, celebrating and of course, training for the bumper 23-race season that lies ahead.

Lewis Hamilton

Arise, Sir Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion received his knighthood from Prince Charles at Windsor Castle back in December, becoming only the fourth F1 driver to earn the honour.

George Russell

Before he gets to work with his new team Mercedes, Russell has been spending his time travelling and exploring. Even in the winter holidays he's driving a car with no doors.

Max Verstappen

Fresh from being crowned Formula 1 world champion, Verstappen is back training to defend his crown. The Dutchman has also shared a video of the new helmet design that he will sport this season. Looking sharp.

Valtteri Bottas

The flying Finn has been getting in shape for the new season with a healthy dose of cycling and snowmobiling. A massive round of applause for Bottas's snappers – below are some stunning shots.

Sergio Perez

It was recently Checo’s birthday, and his Red Bull colleagues surprised him with birthday muffins. Happy birthday, Perez. According to Team Principal Christian Horner they're "all low-calorie". Better get scoffing.

Carlos Sainz

Sainz has been keeping busy this off season by playing some squash. That might be the most exhilarating point of squash we have ever witnessed – although he will be hoping to be more fortunate on the track than he was on the court.

Lando Norris

Norris has been driving this winter. In our opinion, he would be able to hit the ball further if he kept his left hand straighter on his back-swing. Then again, who are we to dole out golfing tips? The Briton boasted the likes of Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh and champion golfer Ian Poulter as his opponents.

Pierre Gasly

The Miami Dolphins recently acquired a new starting quarterb- oh, that’s Pierre Gasly. Pierre has recently been on a tour of the Miami International Autodrome. Here he is pumping iron in the Miami Dolphins' training facility.

Charles Leclerc

Multitasking is no problem for Ferrari's Monegasque maestro. Here is Leclerc training for the upcoming season and doing his best Bane impression.

Daniel Ricciardo

The Honey Badger has just recently been named in the Governor General’s 2022 Australia Day Honours List. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). He finally made it back to Australia after two years, and managed to find himself in a field of sheep (below).

Mick Schumacher

Haas's racer Mick Schumacher has been using his winter to spend time with his beloved animals – before jetting off to Sweden to compete in the Race of Champions alongside compatriot Sebastian Vettel.

Yuki Tsunoda

Tsunoda has been using his winter break to spend time with friends, or what could be a new boy band. Either way, it seems like he had a lot of fun.

Esteban Ocon

How many people can boast to have done donuts in a police car with the sirens blaring? Esteban has joined an exclusive club here. A maiden F1 victory, and now this.

Lance Stroll

Drinks all round from Aston Martin's Lance Stroll, who nailed his first hole-in-one the other day. Maybe he and Norris could exchange some tips.

Alex Albon

Albon has been preparing for his return to the grid by training hard. It's not all work, however. In the video below you can watch Williams' new recruit riding a bike, running, lifting weights, and downing ginger shots. The highlight is probably his kart race against the team's senior advisor Jenson Button.

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Fernando Alonso

Fernando underwent surgery in January after a bicycle crash in 2021. But he says he will "be super strong and ready" for 2022. We don't doubt him one bit.

Nikita Mazepin

Not many people on the grid will be able to drop a name bigger than this. Mazepin had football legend Cristiano Ronaldo to train with in the gym...

Zhou Guanyu

Guanyu has been preparing for his rookie season with Alfa Romeo by learning the incredible history of the marque, touring the Museo Storico Alfa Romeo with new team mate Bottas, much to the delight of Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Phillipe Imparato. The Chinese racer also had a special message for fans around the world to bring in the Lunar New Year.

Nicholas Latifi

Latifi has channeled former Williams team mate Russell with a topless photo in the Maldives. Hopefully he doesn't stray past track limits on that narrow boardwalk.

How the F1 drivers have spent their winter break so far