Fourteen races and seven different winners – this was the first half of the 2024 F1 season. So far, the season has been topsy-turvy. This demanded a summer break, which of course the silly season got. A month-long holiday for the 20 best drivers of the world will come to an end next week, when the F1 circus will reach Max Verstappen‘s home track, Zandvoort.

But before the stressful and exciting days begin, our favorite drivers are enjoying their respite. Almost the entire paddock is at ease, relishing good food, nature, and family time. Drivers like Yuki Tsunoda, Max Verstappen, and Daniel Ricciardo headed home straight after the Belgian GP. Meanwhile, some others took their holiday to the waters, enjoying the saline air of the sea. So, let’s find out, what and where our favorite racers have been in the break…

Red Bull ace Max Verstappen misses ‘sis-in-law’ Julia Piquet’s wedding

A week ago, Max Verstappen’s ‘sis-in-law’ Julia Piquet tied knots amidst an audience comprising of her family and close friends. The daughter of the 3x F1 champ Nelson Piquet and sister of Julia, Kelly Piquet flew down to Brasilia to attend the grand day. Donning a beautiful satin/silk dress, Max Verstappen’s girlfriend was the perfect bridesmaid for her sister. However, someone was missing; the Red Bull star didn’t (or couldn’t) attend the ceremony. And several fans didn’t skimp on their speculations following this absence, questioning the relationship status of the F1 giant and Kelly. Moreover, they criticized his lady love over wearing something “similar” to the bride.

Well, Max had a valid reason to not go. Looks like the ‘Flying Dutchman’ wanted to spend more time with his own family. Following a grueling first phase, the ‘robot’ also needed to refuel. Verstappen’s sister Victoria, shared an Instagram story where Max Verstappen was at Cannes spending time with her kids. But later, he did join Kelly for a cozy respite in Portugal, as some fans spotted him supervising baby P on a swing.

Unfortunately, many of them over-speculated the situation when they didn’t see their favorite driver at his girlfriend’s sister’s wedding. And while Holland’s fastest man spent time with his family, our seven-time world champ, Lewis Hamilton was seen taking a quick trip to his favorite country Africa.

Lewis Hamilton’s “surreal” African holiday: A journey through culture, roots, and beyond

The summer break collided with the Paris Olympics 2024. Of course, Lewis Hamilton landed in the City of Love, to keep a promise he made to his best friend. Miles Chamley-Watson‘s bronze medal showdown against the French fencers had the Mercedes star and other celebrities in the crowd. Sadly, the American fencer didn’t win, but Lewis’s embrace and encouragement boosted Chamley-Watson’s wounded soul. And while it remains unknown if Hamilton went home for a quick break, he was seen traveling in Africa.

For the second year in a row, the F1 legend was accompanied by Miles Chamley-Watson to the great continent of Africa. Starting at Benin, a West African, the Royal Family of Abomey welcomed Hamilton and his companions. The 7x champ is deeply connected to the country, as his forefathers are said to be Beninese. Lewis was also spotted in Mozambique, but nothing much has been known about the trip so far. Meanwhile, the F1 ace spent some days in Senegal. Hamilton seems to have enjoyed the ocean, the lanes, and the Senegalese people. He also visited the House of Slaves, one of the major tourist attractions of the country- with a tragic yet important past.

Lewis Hamilton also visited Morocco. The F1 star, along with Miles Chamley-Watson and others, enjoyed the Moroccan Sahara. Lewis shared photos in which you can see that he visited the mysterious icon Celestial Staircase and the Pyramids of Marrakech. Hamilton has always been inspired by the culture and heritage of Africa. And it feels like an invisible thread keeps pulling him to the vast, beautiful, and energetic country. His trip was indeed “surreal”.

Valtteri Bottas immerses himself in the Finnish wilderness

The Sauber/Audi driver has shut the noise of cities. Chasing nature at her best, the Finnish star Valtteri Bottas has flooded his social media with pictures of his recent escapades. The stunning images of cycling moments and snippets of relaxation are adorned by the majestic backdrop of Finland’s ethereal wilderness.

North Finland’s landscapes are breathtaking. Bottas captured the thrill of a gravel bike ride and serene moments with his partner, Tiffany Cromwell, relaxing in a secluded jacuzzi. The harmony of calm and excitement has rejuvenated the former Mercedes star. After all, nature’s boost will push him forward in the upcoming second phase of 2024. Moreover, Valtteri’s sweetheart, Cromwell is a seasoned road cyclist, so now we surely understand why Valtteri is obsessed with cycling.

Bottas has been experiencing a lackluster season this year. Sauber’s faulty cars and upgrades have pushed them to the back of the grid. Sadly, the Finnish driver and his teammate have failed to add points to their names. So, Bottas must redeem himself post-break. Meanwhile, George Russell is enjoying a break on the yacht.

Keeping up with his ‘shirtless’ rituals, George Russell enjoys a getaway in Spain

What are F1 summer breaks without George Russell’s shirtless snaps? The Mercedes star, soaked up in the waters of the Spanish coast. His girlfriend, Carmen Mundt accompanied the F1 driver in his little getaway. A refreshing boat trip is all that the British racer needed to recharge himself. The last few races before the summer break weren’t great, and the DSQ in Belgium was a big setback.

But keeping aside his worries about the sport, Russell is relishing the sultry, salty coastal vibes. Sharing a carousel of Spain’s coastal towns, George Russell’s family was also a part of the vacation. What’s more beautiful than an orange and red sunset? Carmen Mundt – for George. Of course, you’d say the love was in the air as the F1 star helped his lady love do some pull-ups, and a series of polaroids suggest, the lovebirds have been having a time of their life in this break. Not just, Max Verstappen, Bottas, or Russell, but all the F1 drivers are out in the sea or the mountains cherishing the moments.

Esteban Ocon, Logan Sargeant, and others activate their holiday modes

The Haas-bound French driver Esteban Ocon and his girlfriend Flavy Barla were getting ‘sunkissed’ in Ibiza. Soaking in the serene beauty of crystal-clear blue water, and an epic sunset with his partner, Ocon seems to be glimmering with delight. On the other hand, Logan Sargeant is experiencing the beauty of St. Tropez, France. The Williams driver showed some tricks in the water, making donuts with his water bike. He was joined by his friends for a fancy lunch. Refueling his morale and more, both Ocon and Sargeant will return to the circuits from next week.

Taking the tricky routes through the Alpes, Alex Albon and his partner, Lily Muni He, were probably trekking in Switzerland. The vast picturesque grandeur of the mighty Alpes, with lakes and a clear sky- this is what you’d call a perfect vacation.

Notably, the ‘Prince of Monaco’- Charles Leclerc doesn’t have to leave his hometown. Monte Carlo is the holiday destination for many people across the world, but he has the perks of being a local boy. So, gliding out in his yacht with family and friends, the Monegasque has spent some quality time. And of course, Leo the pup, was the main attraction! Lando Norris was playing with some cute rescue puppies from the Battersea organization. That’s not all—Norris was with his rumored girlfriend, Magui Corceiro. Spending time in Cannes, and then in Ibiza, the McLaren star’s much-needed break will now come to an end.

In just a week, the F1 circus will return to the tracks. The first pitstop will be in Zandvoort– Max Verstappen’s home race and track beckoning for the redemption of many drivers. The summer break has surely pumped up the drivers as they spent their 3-4 weeks with their family and friends. Now, it’s time to get fierce  – the circuits are calling, once again!