Family time, yachts, and off-track thrills – what the F1 drivers have been up to in the summer break

The summer shutdown has offered the perfect opportunity for the drivers to reset and recover after a relentless first half of the season. With the next chapter kicking off in Zandvoort from August 29-31, the time away from the paddock has been invaluable.

For drivers, quality downtime is just as important as training and competition, as it provides a chance to switch off and recharge, so they can return at their very best.

Each driver has chosen their own way to maximise their break; some sought thrills away from the circuit, many embraced family time or total disconnection, whilst some kept their fitness ticking over through training. Here’s how the grid made the most of their summer before the racing resumes.

Unwinding on the water

After months of hard racing on land, it’s no surprise some drivers chose to escape the roads altogether. A number of them chose to swap tarmac for crisp blue seas, spending their downtime unwinding aboard luxury yachts.

George Russell, Charles Leclerc, and Alex Albon all enjoyed time with their partners on the water, combining relaxation and quality moments with loved ones.

Esteban Ocon also spent quality time with family and friends out on the sea, while Kimi Antonelli went on a getaway to Greek waters with close friends and family, making the most of the downtime.

Back on dry land though, Oscar Piastri chose to celebrate the break in true Aussie style by firing up the BBQ with his McLaren team ahead of an exciting news reveal...

Making headlines

Some drivers (and their furry friends) found themselves in the spotlight this summer for reasons beyond the circuit. Piastri delivered exciting news for his home fans: from 2026, he’ll have his very own grandstand at the Australian Grand Prix.

Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly kept fans guessing with a cryptic post hinting at the launch of a potential new brand, sparking plenty of intrigue online.

Lewis Hamilton and his companion Roscoe took centre stage in a special feature for Vogue... or “Dogue”, as Roscoe’s fans know it.

Even during the break – whether in the water or not – the drivers know how to make waves!

Adrenaline junkies

Of course, for F1 drivers, the adrenaline of racing is something they crave. So, it’s unsurprising that several drivers found ways to chase the feeling elsewhere over the summer. Max Verstappen took to the water on an eFoil, whilst gaming fan Lando Norris immersed himself in the virtual world by heading to the Esports World Cup.

Some drivers couldn’t wait to get back in the driver’s seat though. Gabriel Bortoleto got a taste of high-octane fun when taking his partner for a spin in a stock car, while Ollie Bearman helped his GB3-driving brother Thomas celebrate his birthday. How you ask? Behind the wheel of course!

The 2025 grid clearly knows how to keep their pulses racing even when away from the F1 circuit.

Staying sharp

Even during the summer shutdown, keeping active was high on the agenda. Championship leader Piastri showed off his skipping skills when in Monaco – perhaps part of his winning formula as he looks to carry his momentum in the title fight.

With so many drivers spending their time relaxing on the water, what about under it? When not on his bike, Carlos Sainz proved there is nothing he cannot do, as he athletically dived down 11 metres underwater amid family time aboard his boat.

Leclerc hit the padel courts, whilst team mate Hamilton hit the weights. And of course, is it even a summer break if we don’t see a driver on the fairway? Gasly was out on the golf course, and mixing up his training with a balance of running, cycling, and gym sessions.

George Russell made sure not to skip a workout either, fitting in training sessions while out on a yacht and upon his return from holiday.

The grid proved once again that downtime doesn’t mean switching off completely – it’s about finding the right balance.

DND

For a number of drivers, the perfect way to relax was to hit 'Do Not Disturb' and leave their phones behind entirely. No posts, no paddock chatter – instead it was time to switch off (the mind and the phone), recharge, and enjoy the quiet before the season roars back into action in Zandvoort at the end of the month.