How F1 drivers have spent the winter break so far

After a busy 2023 season, F1 drivers have been enjoying a well-earned break over the last couple of months. But what exactly are they up to? We’ve scoured social media – with some varied results – to bring you a round-up…

Max Verstappen

With a third successive title in the bag, you may have expected Verstappen to sit back, relax and avoid motorsport altogether, but the Dutchman crammed in a special track day with his dad before he and partner Kelly Piquet switched off for Christmas.

Sergio Perez

Along with Verstappen, Sergio Perez paid a visit to the Red Bull factory in Milton Keynes to celebrate the team’s remarkable season, while also making sure he got his caffeine hit...

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton’s need for speed saw him indulge in one of his favourite hobbies with a spot of skydiving, before enjoying some time with his dog, Roscoe, when he landed back on the ground.

George Russell

Repeating their viral photo from 2023, Russell and Fernando Alonso teamed up again to see in the New Year in style. There was also time for a skiing trip with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

Charles Leclerc

Leclerc opted for both hot and cold weather over the break as he explored Los Angeles and then went for a wild toboggan ride in the mountains.

Carlos Sainz

Sainz swapped four wheels for two with some winter cycling (the drivers still needing to stay in shape), before celebrating his father’s success at the Dakar Rally.

Lando Norris

Norris went here, there and everywhere with holiday snaps from all over the globe, including Bali, and also had time to pay a visit to football club Paris Saint-Germain.

Oscar Piastri

Fresh from his impressive rookie season, Piastri was another to watch some sport as he took in a game of basketball, followed by general holidaying.

Fernando Alonso

Potential future 24 Hours of Le Mans team mates, Alonso matched Verstappen with a track day outing, along with some skiing action.

Lance Stroll

Stroll added to his Aston Martin team mate’s efforts in the wintry conditions by posting a clip of himself snowboarding.

Pierre Gasly

Gasly took to the ice rink over Christmas and then linked up with former team mate Yuki Tsunoda for some go-karting.

Esteban Ocon

Ocon spent time with one of his childhood heroes in Zinedine Zidane, the legendary footballer now an Alpine ambassador, before celebrating the New Year with friend Mick Schumacher.

Alex Albon

Albon headed to Thailand for his break, spending the downtime with girlfriend and professional golfer Lily Muni He.

Logan Sargeant

Sargeant ventured into the desert after seeing out his rookie season in Abu Dhabi and confirming his place on the grid for 2024.

Yuki Tsunoda

Tsunoda shared a photo of himself, team mate Daniel Ricciardo and Red Bull pair Verstappen and Perez during their appearance at the Honda Thanks Day in Japan.

Daniel Ricciardo

Ricciardo enjoyed some live music and sipped on some of his own wine as he reflected on a mid-season return to F1 in 2023.

Valtteri Bottas

One of F1’s most prolific social media users, Bottas’ feeds are full of cycling photos all over the world, along with the occasional helicopter ride...

Zhou Guanyu

His team mate Zhou, meanwhile, took a trip home to China and the Shanghai Disneyland Park for a particularly magical winter break.

Nico Hulkenberg

Hulkenberg posed for a family photo, including dog Zeus, over Christmas as he pressed pause on his full-time return to F1.

Kevin Magnussen

Magnussen was one of the least active drivers on social media during the off-season but found time to pay tribute to former Haas team boss Guenther Steiner.