From Karting Kings to Mario Kart Masters – How F1 Stars Spent Their Week Off
With the short break between Singapore and Austin, the F1 grid took a moment to recharge before diving back into the final stretch of the season. From travels across Asia to heartfelt tributes and a bit of gaming fun, here’s what the drivers have been up to ahead of the United States Grand Prix.
Kimi Antonelli – From Track to Tower
The young Mercedes driver made a pit stop in Malaysia alongside teammate George Russell, trading his racing helmet for a hard hat. The duo visited Petronas headquarters, connecting with the team behind Mercedes’ long-time title partner. It was a mix of business, culture, and a rare moment away from the fast lane.
George Russell – Corporate Visit and Cultural Reset
Russell used the week off to explore beyond the track, joining Antonelli for the Petronas HQ tour. The visit offered a glimpse into the partnership that fuels Mercedes’ success while giving George a chance to unwind and reconnect before heading to Austin.
Lance Stroll – A Stop in India
Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll took his break to visit Cognizant’s headquarters in India. Meeting with staff and partners behind the scenes, he showed appreciation for the people powering the team’s technology efforts. It was a brief but meaningful trip before returning to racing focus.
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Valtteri Bottas – Korean Adventures
Soon-to-be Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas popped up in South Korea, where he combined sightseeing with fan interactions. The Finn even left with a personalized caricature from a local artist — a fun reminder of his off-track travels before the grind resumes in Austin.
Alex Albon – A Whirlwind Thai Visit
For Alex Albon, the week off meant a quick return to his roots in Thailand. He spent 24 hours soaking up family time, familiar faces, and local food before boarding a flight to Texas. The brief recharge at home gave him a fresh boost heading into the race weekend.
Lewis Hamilton – A Touching Tribute
The break brought emotional moments for Lewis Hamilton as he mourned the loss of his beloved dog, Roscoe. In a heartfelt gesture, fans gifted him a LEGO portrait of Roscoe — a symbolic piece for someone who treasures art and memories alike. It served as both comfort and motivation ahead of Austin.
Fernando Alonso – Back to His Karting Roots
A week away from F1 didn’t mean a week away from racing for Alonso. The Spaniard returned to karting, revisiting the discipline that started it all. It was a back-to-basics approach — pure racing joy without the pressure of the paddock lights.
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Pierre Gasly – From Simulator to Mario Kart
Pierre Gasly’s week off balanced training and play. Between gym sessions and simulator laps, the Frenchman kept his form sharp. When it was time to unwind, he swapped the steering wheel for a controller, competing in Mario Kart and Wii Sports — proof that a racer’s spirit never really rests.
Liam Lawson – Life Beyond the Track
Lawson gave fans a peek into his downtime through a series of casual snapshots. His photo dump included travel, workouts, and glimpses of his off-duty life — a refreshing reminder that even rising stars need time to reset before the season finale.
Nico Hülkenberg – Calm Before the Chaos
The experienced German mixed training, travel, and relaxation during the break. From gym updates to quiet moments away from the spotlight, Hülkenberg’s posts showed a balanced routine ahead of the hectic final stretch. Austin now awaits, with focus firmly back on the fight.
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