Fourteen races and seven different winners – that was the first half of the 2024 F1 season. So far, the season has been turbulent. This required a summer break, which the carnival season naturally got. A month-long vacation for the 20 best drivers in the world ends next week when the F1 circus Max Verstappens home track, Zandvoort.

But before the stressful and exciting days begin, our favourite drivers are enjoying their rest. Almost the entire paddock is relaxed and enjoying good food, nature and time with family. Drivers like Yuki Tsunoda, Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo headed home straight after the Belgian GP. Some others took a vacation by the water in the meantime and enjoyed the salty sea air. So, let’s find out what and where our favorite racers were during the break…

Red Bull ace Max Verstappen misses the wedding of his sister-in-law Julia Piquet

A week ago, Max Verstappen’s sister-in-law Julia Piquet tied the knot in front of an audience of family and close friends. The daughter of three-time F1 champion Nelson Piquet and sister of Julia, Kelly Piquet flew to Brasilia to be part of the big day. In a beautiful satin/silk dress, Max Verstappen’s girlfriend was the perfect bridesmaid for her sister. However, someone was missing: The Red Bull star did not (or could not) attend the ceremony. And some fans did not hold back with speculation after this absence and questioned the relationship status of the F1 giant and Kelly. In addition, They criticized his lover because she wore something “similar” to the bride.

Well, Max had a valid reason not to go. It looks like the ‘Flying Dutchman’ wanted to spend more time with his own family. After a busy first phase, the ‘robot’ also needed to refuel. Verstappen’s sister Victoria shared an Instagram story of Max Verstappen spending time with her children in Cannes. However, he later joined Kelly for a leisurely break in Portugal when some fans spotted him looking after Baby P on a swing.

Unfortunately, many of them speculated too much when they didn’t see their favorite driver at his girlfriend’s sister’s wedding. And while Holland’s fastest man was spending time with his family, our seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was spotted on a short trip to his favorite country, Africa.

Lewis Hamilton’s ‘surreal’ African vacation: A journey through culture, roots and beyond

The summer break coincided with the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Of course, Lewis Hamilton landed in the city of love to keep a promise he had made to his best friend. Miles Chamley-WatsonThe Mercedes star and other celebrities were in the audience for the bronze medal match against the French fencers. Unfortunately, the American fencer did not win, but Lewis’s embrace and encouragement comforted Chamley-Watson’s wounded soul. And while it is not known whether Hamilton went home for a short break, he was seen travelling in Africa.

For the second year in a row, the F1 legend was accompanied to the great African continent by Miles Chamley-Watson. Starting in the West African country of Benin, the royal family of Abomey welcomed Hamilton and his companions. The 7-time champion has close ties to the country as his ancestors are said to have been Beninese. Lewis was also spotted in Mozambique, but not much is known about the trip so far. In the meantime, the F1 star spent a few days in Senegal. Hamilton seemed to have enjoyed the sea, the roads and the Senegalese people. He also visited the Slave House, one of the country’s biggest tourist attractions – with a tragic but nonetheless important past.

LewisHamilton also visited Morocco. The F1 star enjoyed the Moroccan Sahara along with Miles Chamley-Watson and others. Lewis shared photos where he can be seen visiting 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 back to this vast, beautiful and energetic country. His trip was indeed “surreal”.

Valtteri Bottas dives into the Finnish wilderness

The Sauber/Audi driver has blocked out the noise of the cities. The Finnish star is chasing nature Valtteri Bottas has flooded his social media with pictures of his recent adventures. The stunning images of cycling moments and moments of relaxation are adorned by the majestic backdrop of Finland’s ethereal wilderness.

The landscapes of Northern Finland are breathtaking. Bottas captured the thrill of a gravel bike ride and quiet moments with his partner, Tiffany Cromwelll, relaxing in a secluded hot tub. The harmony of calm and excitement has rejuvenated the former Mercedes star. After all, the push of nature will propel him forward in the upcoming second phase of 2024. In addition, Valtteri’s favorite Cromwell is an experienced road cyclist, so we now certainly understand why Valtteri is obsessed with cycling.

Bottas has had a lackluster season this year. Sauber’s faulty cars and upgrades have pushed them to the back of the grid. Unfortunately, the Finnish driver and his teammate were unable to score any points. So Bottas will have to redeem himself after the break. In the meantime George Russell enjoys a break on the yacht.

George Russell sticks to his topless rituals and enjoys a short break in Spain

What would the F1 summer holidays be without George Russell’s shirtless snapshots? The Mercedes star bathing in the sea off the Spanish coast. His girlfriend, Carmen Mundt accompanied the F1 driver on his little excursion. A refreshing boat trip was all the British racing driver needed to recharge his batteries. The last races before the summer break were not so great and the DSQ in Belgium was a bitter setback.

But aside from his worries about the sport, Russell is enjoying the humid, salty coastal atmosphere. George Russell’s family were also part of the holiday, driving around the Spanish coastal towns together. What’s more beautiful than an orange-red sunset? Carmen Mundt – for George. Of course, you could say that love was in the air as the F1 star helped his lady love with some pull-ups, and a series of Polaroids suggest that the lovebirds had the time of their lives during this break. Not just Max Verstappen, Bottas or Russell, but all F1 drivers are out on the sea or in the mountains enjoying the moments.

Esteban Ocon, Logan Sargeant and others activate their holiday mode

The French driver who moves to Haas Esteban Ocon and his girlfriend Flavy Barla were sun-kissed in Ibiza. Ocon enjoyed the serene beauty of the crystal clear blue waters and an epic sunset with his partner and seemed to be beaming with joy. Logan Sargeant, on the other hand, experienced the beauty of St. Tropez in France. The Williams driver showed off some tricks in the water and did donuts on his water bike. His friends joined him for a fancy lunch. Ocon and Sargeant recharged their morale and more and will return to the racetracks from next week.

On the difficult routes through the Alps, Alex Albon and his partner Lily Muni He were probably hiking in Switzerland. The vast, scenic splendor of the mighty Alps with lakes and clear skies – this is what you would call a perfect vacation.

In particular, the “Prince of Monaco” Charles Leclerc doesn’t have to leave his hometown. Monte Carlo is a holiday destination for many people from all over the world, but he has the advantages of being a local. So the Monegasque spent some quality time cruising out on his yacht with his family and friends. And of course, puppy Leo was the main attraction! Lando Norris played with some cute rescue pups from the Battersea organization. That’s not all – Norris was with his rumored girlfriend Magui Corceiro. After a stay in Cannes and then Ibiza, the McLaren star’s much-needed break is now coming to an end.

In just one week, the F1 circus will return to the track. The first pit stop will be in Zandvoort– Max Verstappen’s home race and the circuit promise redemption for many drivers. The summer break has certainly motivated the drivers as they spent 3-4 weeks with their family and friends. Now it’s time to really step on the gas – the circuits are calling once again!