Jonas Leo
The elite drivers of Formula 1 have marked the transition into the New Year, concluding a demanding 2023 campaign and preparing for the challenges of 2024, with many also casting an eye towards the significant regulatory shifts projected for the 2026 season. While some celebrated with lavish parties, others opted for quieter, reflective breaks, each embodying a unique approach to recuperation before the intensity of pre-season preparations resumes.
The 2023 Formula 1 season concluded with Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen securing his third consecutive Drivers’ Championship in a display of unprecedented dominance, leading his team to a resounding Constructors’ title. The calendar year’s end provided a brief respite for the grid, from seasoned champions to emerging talents, before the engines roar again for testing and the 2024 championship battle.
Max Verstappen: Reigning Champion Celebrates in Grand Style
Max Verstappen, the Dutch sensation who rewrote record books in 2023 with 19 victories out of 22 races and a staggering 575 points, ushered in the New Year with a celebration befitting his champion status. His partner, Kelly Piquet, shared glimpses of their lavish festivities on social media, showing the couple alongside friends aboard a yacht. The opulent setting on the water, complete with fireworks illuminating the night sky, symbolised a year of unparalleled achievement for the 26-year-old. Verstappen’s 2023 season not only solidified his place among the sport’s greats but also saw Red Bull secure the Constructors’ Championship by an immense margin, underscoring their technical superiority. As the F1 paddock gears up for 2024, all eyes will be on Verstappen to see if he can maintain this extraordinary level of performance, with the pressure to deliver a fourth consecutive title mounting amidst fierce competition. The upcoming season, set to commence with the Bahrain Grand Prix in March, will test the resilience of both Verstappen and the Red Bull RB20.
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Lewis Hamilton: From Track Battles to Star-Studded Aspen Soirées
Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who finished third in the 2023 Drivers’ Standings with 199 points for Mercedes, navigated a challenging season without a victory but consistently demonstrated his prowess, securing six podium finishes. His commitment to Mercedes, evidenced by a multi-year contract extension signed in August, underscores his determination to challenge for an unprecedented eighth title. Hamilton’s New Year’s Eve celebrations reflected his global celebrity status, transcending the motorsport world. The Briton was reportedly spotted in Aspen, Colorado, a renowned destination for high-profile figures. Vogue magazine later confirmed his attendance at actress Kate Hudson’s exclusive New Year’s Eve party, a star-studded affair that reportedly included luminaries such as Bella Hadid and Kim Kardashian. This brief immersion in the entertainment sphere offers a stark contrast to the intense focus required on track. For 2024, Hamilton and Mercedes are banking on significant development with their W15 challenger to close the gap to Red Bull, aiming to return to winning ways and reignite their championship aspirations.
Lando Norris: Quiet Caribbean Recuperation After McLaren’s Resurgence
Lando Norris experienced a season of two halves in 2023, ultimately finishing sixth in the Drivers’ Championship with 205 points. Following a difficult start, McLaren executed a remarkable mid-season turnaround, propelling Norris to seven podium finishes, including six second-place results. This resurgence saw McLaren climb to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, a testament to the team’s rapid development. Eschewing public fanfare for his New Year’s celebrations, Norris opted for a more private affair. While he did not post details himself, social media activity from his inner circle suggested a quiet getaway in the Caribbean. Reports indicated he spent the occasion with his partner, Magui Corceiro, and close friend Max Fewtrell, along with Fewtrell’s partner Pietra Pilao. This choice of a secluded retreat underscores the need for profound rest after a physically and mentally demanding year, particularly given the intense pressure of McLaren’s resurgence. The 2024 season presents an opportunity for Norris to build on this momentum, with expectations high for him to challenge for his maiden Grand Prix victory and solidify McLaren’s position at the front of the midfield.
Oscar Piastri: Australian Rookie Reflects in Wine Country
McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri delivered an exceptional rookie season in 2023, finishing ninth in the Drivers’ Championship with 97 points. The Australian impressed with his rapid adaptation to Formula 1 machinery, securing a memorable Sprint Race victory in Qatar and two Grand Prix podiums (Japan and Qatar). His performance was crucial in McLaren’s climb up the Constructors’ ladder. Similar to Norris, Piastri maintained a low profile for his New Year’s Eve celebrations. Social media reports, however, indicated that the young Australian was seen enjoying a relaxing time at a vineyard in his home country, accompanied by his partner, Lily Zneimer. This return to his roots in Australia’s picturesque wine region provided a tranquil setting for reflection after a whirlwind debut year. As Piastri enters his second season, the focus will be on avoiding the ‘second-season syndrome’ often associated with promising rookies. With a year of experience under his belt, he will be aiming for greater consistency, further development, and to consistently challenge his highly-rated teammate, Norris, as McLaren seeks to cement its status as a front-running team.
Alex Albon: Williams’ Anchor Finds Serenity in Bhutan
Alex Albon proved to be an indispensable asset for Williams in 2023, delivering a series of impressive performances that belied the machinery at his disposal. Finishing 13th in the Drivers’ Championship with 27 points, Albon consistently extracted maximum performance from the FW45, scoring points in crucial races such as Bahrain, Canada, and Monza. His efforts were instrumental in securing Williams’ seventh-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship, a significant improvement for the historic team. Albon chose a profoundly reflective way to end the year, travelling to Bhutan with his partner, professional golfer Lily Muni He. "Ending our year in Bhutan, a country of untouched beauty and the kindest, most welcoming people," Albon shared, adding, "A reminder of what really matters as we step into a new year." This introspective journey highlights a desire for grounding and perspective after a season where his individual brilliance shone through. For 2024, Albon is expected to continue his leadership role at Williams, guiding the team’s development under new team principal James Vowles. His contract status will also be a point of discussion, given his proven ability to perform even in less competitive cars.
Esteban Ocon: Disneyland Delight Amidst Alpine’s Evolution
Esteban Ocon’s 2023 season with Alpine was marked by flashes of brilliance amidst a period of significant internal change for the French constructor. He finished 12th in the Drivers’ Championship with 58 points, securing a memorable podium finish at the Monaco Grand Prix. Alpine ultimately finished sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, a position they aim to improve upon. For his New Year’s celebration, Ocon opted for a more lighthearted approach, sharing moments from a trip to Disneyland with his partner, Flavy Barla. "Happy New Year from me, Flavy, Mickey & Minnie! Wishing everyone joy, health, and beautiful moments ahead," Ocon posted, conveying a sense of playful relaxation. This brief escape to the ‘happiest place on Earth’ provided a stark contrast to the pressures of an F1 season and the ongoing restructuring within Alpine. Entering 2024, Ocon will be looking for greater stability within the team and aiming to extract more consistent performance from the A524, continuing his competitive dynamic with teammate Pierre Gasly.
Oliver Bearman: F2 Talent Reflects on Growth and Future Ambitions
While not yet a full-time F1 race driver, Oliver Bearman made significant strides in 2023, showcasing his potential as a Ferrari Academy driver. He finished sixth in the Formula 2 Championship with 130 points, securing four victories and marking himself as a strong contender for a future F1 seat. Bearman also gained valuable F1 experience through Free Practice 1 appearances with Haas. His New Year’s reflections offered insight into the demanding nature of his progression. "Saying goodbye to 2023. Thank you to everyone that made it what it was. No doubt the longest, most challenging year so far, but easily the most rewarding," he wrote, alongside photos including one with his partner, Alicia Torriani. He continued, "Couldn’t be prouder of everyone at Haas. The progression we made throughout the year was really something special. Looking forward to 2024 and beyond!" This statement, while originally containing a date discrepancy in the source, clearly conveys a forward-looking sentiment. Bearman’s comments underscore the relentless pursuit of excellence required at every level of motorsport and the anticipation for significant milestones, including the major regulation changes slated for 2026. For 2024, Bearman is expected to continue his F2 campaign, potentially with further F1 testing opportunities, solidifying his position as a prime candidate for an F1 seat in the coming years, particularly with Haas.
Pierre Gasly: Alpine’s Frenchman Hits the Slopes
Pierre Gasly’s inaugural season with Alpine in 2023 saw him adapt to a new team environment after several years with AlphaTauri. He finished 11th in the Drivers’ Championship with 62 points, showcasing strong performances, including a podium at the Dutch Grand Prix. His integration into the French team and his competitive synergy with Ocon were key aspects of his year. Gasly opted for an active form of relaxation to welcome the New Year, hitting the ski slopes with his partner, Francisca Gomes. This choice of a high-energy yet scenic getaway aligns with the demanding physical conditioning required of F1 drivers. As Gasly enters his second year with Alpine, the focus will be on leveraging his experience within the team to extract more consistent results. The partnership with Ocon is expected to mature, driving internal competition that could propel Alpine further up the Constructors’ standings in 2024, all while the team keeps a strategic eye on the radical technical overhaul scheduled for 2026.
As the F1 grid transitions from personal downtime back to the rigorous demands of pre-season testing, the diverse ways in which drivers celebrated the New Year underscore their individual personalities and approaches to maintaining peak performance. While the immediate focus is on the 2024 season, with its 24-race calendar and intense competition, the underlying anticipation for the 2026 regulations – set to introduce new engine formulas and chassis designs – subtly permeates the paddock. These future changes represent not just a new era for the sport but also a fresh challenge that every driver, from reigning champions to aspiring rookies, will eventually confront. The brief respite of the New Year serves as a crucial mental and physical reset before the relentless pursuit of glory recommences.
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Author Profile
- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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