After a long wait, April is almost over \u2013 which means Formula 1 returns this weekend at the Miami Grand Prix. With a month of no racing, the drivers have had the chance to spend some time away from the F1 circus, and even complete some side quests…<\/p>\n
April has seen the grid scatter across the globe, making the most of rare downtime with family and friends, ticking-off some bucket-list experiences, and finding other ways to scratch their competitive itch. All while spending plenty of time keeping up with their fitness and preparations, of course, because make no mistake… the season has only just begun!<\/p>\n
Franco\u2019s fantastic homecoming<\/p>\n
On 26 April, Franco Colapinto<\/a> brought the city of Buenos Aires to a standstill. A mind-blowing 600,000 fans lined the streets of the Alpine<\/a> drivers\u2019 home city to witness one of the biggest show runs of its kind, and the reception he received was absolutely electric.<\/p>\n Colapinto took to the stage to address the adoring crowd before delivering an action-packed display of blistering burnouts and \u2013 much to the delight of the fans \u2013 plenty of donuts.<\/p>\n But perhaps the most heartwarming moment from the day’s events was when Colapinto hopped into the cockpit of Juan Manuel Fangio<\/a>\u2019s iconic Mercedes W196 \u2013 the very machinery that carried the legendary Argentine drivers to one of his five world titles. Franco called it one of the best days of his life, and it\u2019s hard to argue with that!<\/p>\n Back behind the wheel<\/p>\n You just can\u2019t keep these guys away from the track. Max Verstappen<\/a> continued his GT racing at the Nurburgring 24-hour qualifying event, but he was not the only F1 driver to make an appearance at the historic track in April. Both McLaren<\/a> and Mercedes<\/a> drivers were also in action at the Nurburgring, taking to the circuit in older F1 machinery as part of Pirelli\u2019s 2027 tyre testing programme \u2013 valuable track time indeed.<\/p>\n Fernando Alonso<\/a> has also been back behind the wheel, getting to grips with testing the Adrian Newey-designed Aston Martin<\/a> Valkyrie ahead of its 2026 World Endurance Championship campaign. The Spaniard is no stranger to success in that field, having already claimed the 2018-2019 WEC title with Toyota Gazoo Racing.<\/p>\n Switching four wheels for two<\/p>\n There\u2019s a long season ahead for drivers, so staying in shape despite the time off between Japan and Miami is crucial. Cycling is a favourite for some of the paddock, with Carlos Sainz<\/a> swapping four wheels for two during the break, clocking up serious mileage on the bike as he rode through the European countryside.<\/p>\n Valtteri Bottas<\/a> has taken that a step further. The Finn took his love of biking up a notch during his time in California, not only exploring the West Coast, but also lining up for the Sea Otter Classic, a gruelling 60-mile gravel race. The Cadillac<\/a> man even finished third \u2013 a true multi-sport athlete.<\/p>\n California convening<\/p>\n With the next race taking part in the US, many of the drivers have already headed stateside \u2013 in particular, to sunny California. Bottas, dressed in true cowboy style, met up with a very familiar face at Coachella \u2013 former Red Bull<\/a> driver Daniel Ricciardo. The real question is, who did they watch perform?<\/p>\n Alex Albon<\/a>, on the other hand, opted for a more low-key ‘no-chella\u201d weekend, heading to Los Angeles where he caught a Dodgers baseball game, toured California\u2019s vineyards and fit in a round of golf.<\/p>\n Trackside stars<\/p>\n Time away from racing hasn\u2019t meant time away from the track for the Mercedes boys. George Russell<\/a> enjoyed a nostalgic trip to Northern Italy, joining Toto and Susie Wolff at the South Garda Karting track, 23 years after he first visited. The Briton spent his time meeting young drivers and offering advice to the next generation.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, his Mercedes team mate Kimi Antonelli<\/a> was on the ground to watch the season opener of the World Endurance Championship at his home track of Imola \u2013 with the Italian even waving the starting flag.<\/p>\n Staying in shape<\/p>\n Lewis Hamilton<\/a> gave fans a glimpse of these intense workouts, posting a gruelling ab session, while Liam Lawson<\/a> posted himself mid-gym session with a sweet treat. However, it\u2019s not all about staying ready physically \u2013 time in the simulator is also invaluable for getting mentally ready for Miami, with Arvid Lindblad<\/a> clearly putting in the hours in April.<\/p>\n London calling<\/p>\n Despite not being on track, the drivers haven\u2019t forgotten their loyal fans. Haas<\/a> duo Ollie Bearman<\/a> and Esteban Ocon<\/a> headed to London\u2019s Carnaby Street for a meet and greet, spending time with supporters \u2013 check out those queues!<\/p>\n Elsewhere in the British capital, there was a special runner during this year\u2019s London Marathon \u2013 four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel<\/a>. Running with F1’s Tom Clarkson for the Grand Prix Trust and the Brain & Spine Foundation, the German clocked a stunning time of 2:59:08 \u2013 an incredible achievement for the 38-year-old.<\/p>\n Relaxing and reflection<\/p>\n With April usually being a busy month for the drivers as they jet off to multiple race weekends, this year has provided a unique opportunity to live life in the slow lane and spend quality time at home.<\/p>\n Lawson spent precious time unwinding with family and teeing off on the golf course \u2013 inevitably getting his adrenaline hit with some motocross laps too. Meanwhile Pierre Gasly<\/a> went full sports fan mode, catching some football games in Paris and Milan.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also the perfect time to reflect, and two stars of the season so far have been soaking it all in. Championship leader Antonelli has been soaking up every moment of the season so far, both on and off-track, and Racing Bulls<\/a> rookie Lindblad will be sure to remember his first few months as an F1 driver!<\/p>\n