Lifestyle

Off-track: How the F1 drivers are spending the break

By Annika Caniza - August 15, 2022
While we all impatiently wait for the next Grand Prix, our favorite F1 drivers are making the most out of their summer break.

Formula 1 has been on its summer break for nearly two weeks now (though it feels like it’s been forever). And while we fans can’t wait for the Belgian Grand Prix anymore, the drivers may not feel the same way.

Over the past couple of weeks, the F1 drivers have been making the most out of their time off, from spending time with loved ones to practicing hobbies.

So while we’ve been eagerly waiting for the next race weekend, here’s what some of the F1 drivers have been up to this summer.

Spending time at home

One of the most challenging parts about being an F1 driver is how much time you have to spend away from home. So as we’d expect, most drivers probably spend their time off in their hometown.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has been doing exactly that. And when home is Monaco, we can imagine it must be exciting to spend more than just a few days in the city.

Lucky for us, we get to see what 24 hours in Monaco looks like for him.

Playing paddle ball, running to gorgeous views, jumping off yachts—Charles Leclerc is definitely making the most out of his time back at home, packing so many things all in one day.

And we know the Ferrari fans out there are hoping that these weeks for rest and recovery will help him come back stronger to take back the championship.

Far from home

While some drivers are happy to be back home, others seem to love life on the road.

Although Alfa Romeo driver, Valtteri Bottas, posted a photo a few days ago of him in his home country Finland, he now seems busy in the United States.

Over the last few days, Bottas has been in Wyoming with his girlfriend Tiffany Cromwell. In case you didn’t know, Cromwell is a professional cyclist, so of course, they’ve been spending their time outdoors gravel biking and riding ATVs, enjoying the scenery. Talk about an athletic couple.

Daniel Ricciardo is also spending time just a seven-hour drive away from Bottas. If you know Danny Ric, you know he loves being in the States, so he’s spent a week shacked up in Montana.

I personally never realized how beautiful the scenery in Montana is. I also didn’t know just how badly I needed to hear Danny Ric singing country songs.

Mercedes driver, George Russell, has also been spending his time off away from home.

Enjoying the scenery and soaking up the sun in Mallorca is definitely a good way to celebrate entering the summer break from a pole position and a podium finish.

Passion project

While on break, Lando Norris has been promoting his brand, Quadrant.

The McLaren driver founded Quadrant as a gaming, racing, content, and apparel brand. And while on break, the brand launched their OFF ROAD* collection, which you can see Lando wearing in his Instagram post.

Anyone cop a piece from the collection yet?

Staying active

As athletes, it must be hard to stay still for too long even while on break. So, some of the drivers have been staying active in other ways.

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has been playing golf for years now. And if you play golf, you know that it’s a true test of focus.

Now that he’s on break, he’s able to put a little bit more focus on his golf game.

Meanwhile, other drivers just can’t seem to stay off the track, like Fernando Alonso.

Even on break, Alonso can’t get enough of racing. It makes sense as to why he’s the oldest driver on the grid, and will probably remain the oldest for more seasons to come. When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life, right?

Spilling the tea

We all know Lewis Hamilton lives a vibrant personal life. You can tell by his outfits alone, TBH. And lucky for us, while on break, he’s been working on a feature with Vanity Fair.

Set to be on the cover for their September issue, Vanity Fair got all the tea on the seven-time world champion’s life and racing career.

In the interview, he talks about how he didn’t feel welcome in F1 in his debut, how he really felt about losing the title last season, and even how he nearly scored a huge role in the movie Top Gun: Maverick. We all need to read this interview.

Even though our favorite drivers are living their best lives chilling on their summer break, we still can’t wait until they get back on track and do what they do best. The good news is: only two more weeks of this!