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A Formula 1 Fan’s Ultimate Winter Break Guide

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It has been 43 days since Lando Norris, the season’s final race winner, crossed the finish line in Abu Dhabi. With the 75th season approaching, there are 54 more days before 20 shining cars line up on the grid and the lights go out once again in Melbourne, Australia on 16 March. Here’s what to do until then:

Inside the World of F1: London Exhibition Captivates Fans

With the void on a Sunday afternoon during the winter break, Formula 1 fans and newcomers alike have an opportunity to experience the sport like never before at The Formula 1 Exhibition, currently on display in London. 

Drivers’ Championship Trophy, The F1 Exhibition, Photo by Sheridan Lambrook

Originally slated to close earlier, the exhibit has been extended due to popular demand and will now run until 2nd March. Since opening in August, the exhibition has drawn widespread attention.

London marks the fourth city to host this interactive showcase, following successful runs in Madrid, Vienna, and Toronto. The exhibit offers a journey through F1’s history, featuring memorabilia, interactive activities, and exclusive opportunities.

Visitors can marvel at the Drivers’ Championship Trophy alongside the iconic Golden British Grand Prix Trophy—an experience typically reserved for world champions like Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton.

If you have ever dreamed of seeing a Formula 1 car up close and personal, the exhibit features the RB16B, as well as the legendary McLaren MP/4. Or get inspired by seeing Lewis Hamilton’s old kart from his emerging years on a track.

Blending sport and cutting-edge technology, visitors can delve into the engineering behind these machines with insights from experts and components provided by teams, including a 2019 Mercedes engine.

Spot your favourite driver’s helmet on the decorated wall, or play a game to see how many you know.

The F1 Exhibition, Photo by Sheridan Lambrook

Fans can test their “Lights Out” reaction with interactive games or, for an additional £15, step into a driving simulator to try their hand at emulating the skills of a Formula 1 driver.

Looking to the future, the exhibition celebrates the achievements of women in the F1  Academy and explores the sustainability initiatives of Formula E.

One of the awe-inspiring curated pieces, is the remains of the crash of the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix. When Romain Grosjean walked out of fire. The charmed vehicle leaves the room speechless.

Finish your experience at the ultimate pit wall with a visual show encapsulating some of the greatest moments in Formula One history. 

Tickets for the exhibition range from £30 for standard entry to £75 for a VIP experience and are available at f1exhibition.com. Don’t miss the chance to catch this thrilling event before it leaves London.

 

The F1 Exhibition, Photo by Sheridan Lambrook

Race Like a Pro

Channel your inner racer at the F1 Drive. This Formula 1-themed karting track at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London offers a thrilling taste of the F1 experience, bringing you closer to your unrealised dreams of joining the elite 20. With a starting grid set-up, DRS technology, in-screen digital display and authentic engine sounds, you’ll get a taste of race day excitement. 

The prices start at £55 for adults. 

Find more information at www.tottenhamhotspurstadium.com/f1-drive-london.

Lights, Camera, Racing!

What better time than the winter break to cosy up in front of the TV and dive into racing-themed movies and documentaries that bring the thrill and drama of F1 right to you? 

From heart-pounding drama and rivalries to insights into the lives of some of the sport’s biggest icons, there’s something for everyone. Rush offers both, capturing the fierce rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda. Hunt’s flamboyance and carefree personality together with Lauda’s meticulous, German approach to racing create a stark contrast, wonderfully depicted in this 2013 action movie. A definite must-watch, from our team to yours.

If Rush isn’t your cup of tea, the documentary Senna might be. This 2010 film chronicles the life and career of… you guessed it—none other than the legendary Ayrton Senna. The three-time world champion competed in Formula 1 from 1984 until his tragic death following a crash at Imola, Italy in 1994. Critically acclaimed, Senna is a gripping portrait of the Brazilian racing icon and delivers a thrilling watch even for non-racing fans. 

If neither of these two tickles your fancy, why not revisit a classic – Cars? Jokes aside, Lightning McQueen and Guido are sure to bring some fun and bring you one step closer to the motorsport world during this racing drought. 

Our other picks: 

Party on

Why not organise an F1-themed party? Who says there needs to be a race for you to have a good time? Gather your friends, cook some great food, and let the festivities begin! Here are some ideas to make it a memorable evening:

Make Bingo Cards for the 2025 season – it’s easy! Paper, markers, and a little creativity are all you need to make some fun predictions for the season ahead. Whether you go with safe bets like “Max wins a race” or a little bolder with “Haas to get a 1-2”, the fun is in seeing who gets bingo first. So let your imagination – and F1 optimism (or scepticism, if that’s more your style) – run wild. Let the games begin!  

Quiz night! Time to put your F1 knowledge to the test – and maybe win some prizes. Whether you’re competing for a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates or just the good old feeling of superiority is up to you. Have everyone contribute a few questions or pick a quizmaster to take charge of the game. 

FOOOOOD! What’s a party without food? So, why not make it a fun activity and whip up some F1-inspired dishes?  From Dutch stroopwafels, Austrian wiener schnitzel, and Charles Leclerc’s favourite pasta Carbonara, to Texan BBQ, Mexican tacos or the courgette pizza from Monza that Daniel Ricciardo raves about, the choice is yours! Get creative and bring the global essence of F1 to the party.

The Creative Side of F1: Drivers Explore Life Beyond the Circuit

A Lot of the Formula One drivers have turned into businessmen over their careers, while they are not on the track here are ways to support your favourite drivers.

Lewis Hamilton Neat Burger

The new Ferrari driver has spoken openly about being vegan and is not afraid to venture into the restaurant business. In 2019 the plant-based restaurant first opened, dedicated to providing sustainable and delicious cuisine to the fast-food industry. 

There are a few locations in London including, SOHO, Camden Market, and BoxPark at Wembley Way.

Charles Leclerc Lec

In 2024 Charles Leclerc launched his first business which is pretty sweet. The athlete launched his own ice cream brand Lec, a lower-calorie option of the sweet treat. Inspired by his favourite dessert to fit his healthy lifestyle the brand was born. The ice cream is selectively sold in Italy and France but with a potential to be sold internationally in the future. 

Lando Norris Quadrant 

Lando Norris has combined his love of gaming, motorsport, and lifestyle with his brand Quadrant. Launched in 2020, Quadrant has evolved into a platform that unites esports and traditional sport, offering exclusive merchandise and collaborations. The venture showcases Norris’s entrepreneurial drive and his ability to engage fans beyond the Formula 1 paddock.

Fernando Alonso Kimoa

With Eco-Urban streetwear, Fernando Alonso ventured into fashion with his lifestyle brand, Kimoa. Founded in 2017, the brand focuses on sustainability and adventure, featuring eco-friendly clothing and trends. Kimoa highlights Alonso’s dedication to environmental responsibility while also selling Aston Martin inspired designs.

Daniel Ricciardo – Enchantè

One of the most popular brands by a driver is Daniel Ricciardo’s Enchantè, channelling his trademark charm into fashion. With iconic seasonal drops that often sell out, the brand shows the Australian native’s personality that is known and loved. The luxury brand is definitely one of the most popular on the grid.

 

(Re)Watch Drive to Survive (DTS)

Maybe you got into Formula 1 through DTS or you enjoy the show for the behind-the-scenes of the sport – and, let’s be honest, the drama. Netflix didn’t say when the seventh season is going to be released yet, but it’s expected to be around the beginning of the 2025 race season starting on 13 March. The docuseries shows the inner workings of the sport, and with drivers and team principles interviews, the fans now have access to the paddock like never before. 

The expectations are high for the new season, as last year’s big moments included Daniel Ricciardo, one of the fans’ favourites and considered the star of the show, leaving midway through the season or Lewis Hamilton announcing his shock move to Ferrari, after spending 11 years with the Silver Arrows, and doing so at the beginning of the 2024 championship season. Besides that, it was one of the most competitive seasons with seven different drivers being crowned as race winners and McLaren becoming Constructor Champions after more than 20 years. 

While you wait, why not go back to season one and (re)watch Günther Steiner as a team principal at Haas, almost having a heart attack during every race in one of the smallest teams in the championship? You’re sure to have good laughs and some goosebumps with the episodes. 

 

The post A Formula 1 Fan’s Ultimate Winter Break Guide appeared first on Sports Gazette.


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