As the sun sets on the 1st of half of the 2023 F1 season, the relaxing summer break has begun. 2023 has been a rather topsy-turvy season that saw multiple drivers and teams fighting for podiums. While teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin were the frontrunners, fighting for P2 at the beginning of the season, Ferrari made its way into the mix after a few races. And then McLaren unveiled their trump card with some sublime upgrades to leapfrog everybody and get back-to-back podiums.
While the P2 battle kept changing, the man at the top of the podium remained there for 10 out of 12 races. And here’s what he is up to now as he finally gets a break from winning 8 consecutive races (Phew! What a task it must have been winning week in, week out.)
Max Verstappen enjoys F1 summer break with Kelly Piquet in Sardinia, Italy
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After having won 83.33% of the races, Max Verstappen is making 100% use of the F1 summer break to unwind. Along with his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, and her daughter, Penelope, the happy family has flown to Sardinia, Italy. They are relaxing on the beautiful La Maddalena Island and making the most of their time.
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From raking in the scenic beauty of the beach to feasting on the refined cuisine in La Scogliera, a seaside restaurant, it is a complete luxury outing. The owner of the restaurant, Andrea Orecchioni, posted a photo with the Dutchman as they stood on the lush-green lawn by the restaurant with the calm, blue sea in the background and yachts resting on the calm waves.
Verstappen was wearing a plain white T-shirt and a pretty short pair of pink beach shorts. And that should tell you how much he’s loosened up because he was wearing the same pair of clothes when he performed dad duties for Penelope and played with her on the beach in the morning. Kelly Piquet, too, posted a photo (a very professional looking one) from their holiday destination and she looked ecstatic to be there.
While Max Verstappen enjoys the downtime with his family, here’s what his best friend from the grid is up to.
Daniel Ricciardo enjoys seaside lunch with DJ Martin Garrix in Ibiza, Spain
Everybody’s favorite personality on the F1 grid – Daniel Ricciardo is having a great time with his friends, who also happen to be two of the biggest names in the music industry. One could argue that he’s only driven in 2 races for AlphaTauri and for him, this summer break is just like an extension of his 2023 season. But, simulator work in Red Bull and being surrounded by negative chatter can take the life out of a person. So, here he is, chilling in Ibiza, Spain.
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Along with DJ Martin Garrix and the man who discovered the young music talent, Tiesto, Ricciardo had a crazy day in Ibiza. At least that is how Garrix described it in his Instagram post. He captioned it: “CRAZY day in Ibiza!! thanks for partying in the rain ❤️”. Looks like the Honey Badger, too is partying to the maximum. His classic wide smile tells it all.
While this Australian racer is vacationing in Spain, Ferrari’s Spanish racer is basking in the sun in Italy.
Carlos Sainz holidays with rumored girlfriend Rebecca Donaldson on a yacht In Sardinia, Italy
Carlos Sainz, of all people, deserves a vacation and some away time from Ferrari. And he’s at the same destination as Max Verstappen and his GF Kelly Piquet – Sardinia, Italy. Though the Ferrari heartthrob broke up with his ex-girlfriend of 6 years, Isa Hernaez, weeks ago, he is not alone on the island of Sardinia. The Spaniard is vacationing with his rumored girlfriend and Scottish model, Rebecca Donaldson.
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Like any other millionaire from the F1 world, Sainz too, is chilling on a yacht. He’s by the coast of Costa Smeralda (the same area where Verstappen had his lunch at La Scogliera) and got off his yacht to greet his fans who were waiting outside in a queue. Wearing a light turquoise casual shirt and chic white pants and shoes, the Spanish racer looked dapper as he obliged his fans.
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It feels great to look at the serious racers in their element when the pressure of the sport is taken off them. The personal and softer side of their personality is revealed and no one hates this happening. For F1 fans, it should be a matter of utter delight. When the drivers and teams come out on the other side of the summer break, they would be mentally and physically ready to give it their best, providing top-notch racing action to fans.
WATCH THIS STORY | “Perfect Stepdad” Max Verstappen’s Adorable Moment with Kelly Piquet’s Daughter Penelope