2024 F1 summer break: What are the drivers up to during the mid-season holidays?

After the 2024 F1 Belgian GP, the season went into a three-week summer break in August. This gives time for teams and drivers to unwind a bit and prepare themselves for the rest of the season. F1 drivers usually discuss the last race before taking off on their holidays.

In the 2024 F1 season, several drivers enjoyed their summer breaks in different ways, based on their interests and schedule.

Mercedes driver George Russell was seen enjoying surfing with his girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt.

Russell's teammate Lewis Hamilton was spotted in Turkey with his family. The seven-time world champion also attended the 2024 Paris Olympics and went to see the bronze medal fencing match between France and the United States.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc posted pictures of himself enjoying on his yacht and a Monte Carlo beach. The Monegasque has spent some time in his hometown with his family and girlfriend Alexandra Saint-Mleux.

Even though Fernando Alonso is the oldest F1 driver on the current grid, the Spaniard took no breaks from the on-track action. He recently posted racing around a circuit with a go-kart.

Sauber's Valtteri Bottas also had a productive vacation where he went cycling with his girlfriend Tiffany Cromwell, who is a professional cyclist.

Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg was seen enjoying his off-track time with his family. He posted pictures of himself, his kids and his wife while relaxing in Southern Germany.

Meanwhile defending world champion Max Verstappen was frequently seen on his racing simulator during his eSports team, Redline's Twitch livestreams. Since there are no restrictions or upcoming Grand Prix, the Dutchman is fully enjoying his time racing in virtual events.

Alpine's Esteban Ocon also posted pictures of him enjoying on a yacht with his girlfriend Flavy Barla.

Lando Norris posted pictures of him with his friend, Matt Fretwell. Both were seen checking out several exotic and vintage cars. This was part of Norris' company, Quadrant's photo shoot for their new line of summer apparel.

Of course, some drivers have been away from social media, simply relaxing and taking time to rejuvenate for the remainder of the 2024 F1 season.

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The F1 summer break is officially in FIA's sporting regulation rulebook

Soon after F1 started hosting more than 20 races, the FIA decided to mandate a summer break in the middle of the season. The break is officially mentioned in the sporting regulation rulebook under Article 24.1.

The rule states that teams have to take a break of at least 14 days in the month of July and/or August. It particularly applies to teams and their factories:

"The first period of fourteen (14) consecutive calendar days during the months of July and/or August. If two consecutive Competitions during this period are separated by only seventeen (17) days a shutdown period of thirteen (13) consecutive calendar days must be observed. In either case, Competitors should notify the FIA of their intended shutdown period within thirty (30) days of the start of the Championship."

During this 14-day break, teams are not allowed to operate the wind tunnel, perform CFD simulations and assemble new parts on the car, among other restrictions. Some of these can be done during the period if it is approved by the FIA.