How F1 drivers are spending the winter break

George Russell

After a cryptic post to say that he had gone "exploring", George Russell emerged in the colours of new team Mercedes earlier this week, posing outside their Brackley factory and next to the trophy cabinet that he will be hoping to add to in 2022.

Sergio Perez

Red Bull's Sergio Perez has been largely quiet on his social media channels, though did post to promote the COVID-19 vaccination effort ahead of the F1 paddock reconvening for pre-season testing.

Carlos Sainz

While his dad took part in the Extreme E finale in the UK before tackling the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, Carlos Sainz soaked up the sun on the beach as he recharged his batteries for the new season.

Charles Leclerc

Sainz's Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, headed to Mexico with his friends, taking part in some water sports.

Lando Norris

Lando Norris has been in Dubai for a holiday with his new partner, sharing some photos from the desert dunes.

Daniel Ricciardo

After a forced two-week spell in quarantine, Daniel Ricciardo was finally able to reunite with his family in Australia.

Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso has been on the move to an undisclosed location for his break, posting a photo from a private jet above the mountains.

Esteban Ocon

Esteban Ocon took part in a promotional shoot with the French police force (Gendarmerie Nationale), causing a social media stir in the process.

Pierre Gasly

Pierre Gasly has been out in California for a pre-season training camp, also taking the opportunity to watch a Supercross event.

Yuki Tsunoda

Yuki Tsunoda, who currently lives near AlphaTauri's factory in Faenza, Italy, was able to make it home to Japan for the first time since his F1 career began.

Valtteri Bottas

Valtteri Bottas travelled to Australia, hitting the road and taking in the sights with his partner, professional cyclist Tiffany Cromwell.

Nicholas Latifi

Nicholas Latifi, having previously posted about the abuse he received following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, shared a more enjoyable moment from his break.

Mick Schumacher

Mick Schumacher, fresh from his rookie F1 season with Haas, and the news that he will act as Ferrari's reserve driver in 2022, shared a moment from a winter walk.

Nikita Mazepin

Nikita Mazepin posted a shot of himself snowboarding in the mountains, having also just completed his first-ever season in the sport.

What about Hamilton and Verstappen?

After clinching his first F1 title in Abu Dhabi, Max Verstappen paid a visit to the Red Bull factory in the UK before shooting across to France for the FIA Prize-Giving Gala in Paris. He then travelled on to Brazil, spending time with girlfriend Kelly Piquet and her father, three-time F1 World Champion Nelson.

As for Hamilton, he has maintained his social media silence since the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. Hamilton's last post, on 11 December, referenced his P2 starting position for the race, which he dominated until a late Safety Car turned the encounter on its head and paved the way for Verstappen's triumph.

Hamilton's only public appearance since the title decider came a few days after the race when he received his knighthood in the UK, with the seven-time World Champion posing for photographs in the grounds of Windsor Castle.