Christmas and New Year in Formula 1 – with a Dash of Humor!
Maja Czarzasty-Zybert, Attorney-at-Law, PhD
Energy,D&I, Sustainability and Yacht Lawyer??/DEI/Member of Governing Board of the Polish Committee of the World Energy Council ?? /co-creator of the program for women ?Energy is a woman”/in love with Motorsport ???
Formula 1 is a sport associated with adrenaline, roaring engines, and laser-like precision, but even on the racetracks, there’s room for some holiday cheer. Imagine race cars decked out in Christmas lights zooming around the track, with pit crews serving gingerbread cookies instead of changing tires. Yes, dear readers, Formula 1 has its festive stories too, and I’ve gathered the funniest and most delightful ones just for you.
A New Year’s Race – Speeding Through January 1st
In Formula 1, even New Year’s Day wasn’t always a time for relaxation. On January 1, 1965, the South African Grand Prix became the only F1 race ever held on New Year’s Day. Imagine drivers swapping champagne toasts for helmets and hopping into their race cars after a festive night. Jim Clark, however, turned his New Year’s resolution ("I’ll be first!") into reality faster than anyone else, dominating the race in his Lotus 33. It was the perfect start to a successful year—maybe we should all take notes on goal-setting!
Festive Transfers – Like an Advent Calendar of Changes
The holiday season in F1 is often a time of big decisions, with drivers switching teams as if opening windows in an advent calendar.
Imagine receiving a Christmas present that takes years to assemble—that’s what happened when Michael Schumacher signed with Scuderia Ferrari in 1995. At the time, Ferrari was like a string of Christmas lights: full of potential, but always with something that wouldn’t work. Thanks to "Saint Michael," they eventually dominated the sport with multiple championships.
Sergio Pérez received the ultimate gift—signing with Red Bull Racing & Red Bull Technology —after his first career win in 2020. And what did he do there? Played a pivotal role in helping Max Verstappen win his first World Championship. Talk about delivering the perfect Christmas thank-you card!
Holiday Campaigns – F1’s Festive Spirit
Formula 1 teams love sharing holiday joy with fans in their own unique way.
How about some holiday karaoke from Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo? Their vocal performance might not win awards, but their energy was championship-worthy. Another highlight? A race car dressed as Santa’s sleigh speeding down the track—Christmas cheer at full throttle!
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Picture Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo in a snowball fight. That’s the kind of festive fun McLaren captured in one of their holiday cards. Christmas humor? 100% on point!
Mechanics in the Holiday Spirit
For years, F1 mechanics worked even through the holidays. But who says you can’t mix work and Christmas joy? Picture a factory where tools are decorated with ribbons, and the hum of machinery is replaced by “Jingle Bells.” While today’s winter break rules give teams some well-deserved rest, in the past, the holiday season was a time for intense preparations.
Drivers in Their Holiday Best
During the holiday season, Formula 1 drivers show a lighter, more personal side:
Christmas and New Year Wishes Inspired by Formula 1
To wrap things up, dear readers, here’s a special wish for you—in true Formula 1 style:
May your holidays be as quick as a pit stop, as warm as tires after a qualifying lap, and as joyful as a victory on the podium! May the New Year bring you turbo-charged happiness, perfect life-track control, and plenty of energy for every day! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!