Confirmed
F1 drivers enjoy summer break before Dutch GP
Formula 1 drivers recharged during the mandatory summer shutdown, engaging in diverse activities from proposals to family holidays, ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
The Formula 1 paddock concluded its mandatory summer shutdown, with drivers returning to work ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix. This period allowed personnel to recuperate before the season’s demanding second half, which continues with 11 rounds still to be run. Drivers documented their diverse activities during this break, offering a glimpse into their personal lives before the upcoming race weekend at Zandvoort, the first session of which is scheduled for Friday, August 21st at 13:30 Finnish time, according to Motorsport.com.
Champion's Retreats
Current championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who holds a significant lead with 219 points after accumulating six wins, chose Sardinia for his holiday, according to Motorsport.com. The Italian driver shared images of himself relaxing with friends, attending parties, and pursuing photography, demonstrating a diverse range of leisure activities during his downtime. George Russell, currently third in the standings with 160 points, celebrated a significant personal milestone during the break. He proposed to his long-term partner, Carmen Montero Mundt, during a private, candlelit beach dinner, sharing photographs of Mundt wearing her engagement ring. This personal event precedes a crucial period for Russell, who has secured two victories so far this season.
Family and Leisure
Lewis Hamilton, second in the drivers' championship with 169 points, welcomed a new golden retriever puppy named Halo to his family. The seven-time champion also spent time with his partner, Kim Kardashian, engaging in beach activities and paintball. Hamilton shared additional photographs showcasing his time with family members and farm animals, as well as surfing, indicating a varied and active summer break. Charles Leclerc, currently fourth in the standings with 138 points, vacationed on his yacht in Sardinia with his wife Alexandra. The couple was accompanied by Leclerc's family and their dog, Leo. Although no official announcement has been made, the couple has fueled speculation regarding a potential pregnancy. Max Verstappen, who has secured one victory this season and sits sixth with 109 points, embraced family life during his break. He and his partner, Kelly Piquet, shared photographs with their 15-month-old daughter, suggesting a focus on family time away from the pressures of competition.
Other Driver Activities
Lando Norris, who recently secured his only win of the season at the Hungarian Grand Prix and is fifth in the standings with 128 points, has not yet posted photographs of his summer break activities on his social media. However, the McLaren driver was observed attending parties in Ibiza during the mandatory shutdown. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, currently seventh with 92 points, shared images of his holiday with his partner, Lily Zneimer. Piastri also engaged in off-road cycling and played the World Rally Championship game, demonstrating a blend of physical activity and leisure pursuits. Valtteri Bottas, the sole Finnish driver on the grid, currently holds 0 points and sits 21st in the drivers' championship, though details of his summer break activities were not extensively reported. This break provides a crucial reset for all drivers before the Dutch Grand Prix, which initiates a challenging conclusion to the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Status And Sources
This story is labelled Confirmed, which means the people involved have said this on the record. The rules behind those labels are in the editorial policy, and the desk that published it is Eero Lahtinen.
Written from the following reporting. Each link goes to the newsroom's own page, not to an aggregator:
- Motorsport.commotorsport.com
