After an action-packed season with so many twists, turns, surprises and drama, the thought of no on-track action for months is a painful one.
But while fans count down the days until the lights go out in Melbourne, the winter break is a crucial period for teams and drivers.
It’s the time to reset after an intense campaign and begin the all-important preparation for the season ahead, especially with the excitement of new regulations. Car development enters one of its final phases, drivers take a breather, and factories buzz quietly away behind closed doors.
But while the on-track excitement powers down for the year, here are 10 ways to keep get your F1 fix all winter long…
Cosy Christmas pastimes
If you’re someone who likes the warmth of their own home during the festive period, we have you covered. Here are some homebody activities for racing enthusiasts.
Build an F1 car… kinda
Cold weather and dark evenings are a great time to scratch that engineering itch and get building. It might not be the same as the Miami Drivers’ Parade, but there are countless LEGO sets that allow you to recreate cars from the 2024 season brick by brick. Whether you’re going all-in on a detailed display model for a quiet night in or building one of the smaller Speed Champions models with the family – enjoy passing the time before the season kicks off again!
(Re)watch F1 The Movie
The movie that dominated this year continues its run into the off-season. F1 The Movie offers a blend of racing spectacle and behind-the-scenes drama, and if you somehow haven’t watched it yet, the winter break is prime time – especially now that it’s streaming on Apple TV.
Already watched the movie? Why not start a winter watchlist to see you through the darker months? Senna (Netflix); The Seat (Netflix); Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story (Disney+), Schumacher (Netflix); Rush (Netflix); F1: The Academy (Netflix) and Drive to Survive (Netflix) are all essential viewing.
Dive into the archives
F1’s YouTube channel is packed with race highlights, iconic team radios, and technical breakdowns. Alternatively, you could treat yourself to the full experience by joining F1 TV for complete race replays, onboard action, and season reviews from the past 50 years – it’s the ultimate treasure trove for hardcore fans.
Sharpen your skills on F1 25
Whether you’re climbing the career ladder or setting purple sectors in time trials, now is the ultimate time to fine-tune your virtual racecraft – Max Verstappen sure will be!
Upgrade your team kit (or add it to your Christmas list)
Winter is hoodie season, and a great excuse for a wardrobe refresh. There is plenty of team merch to get adding to your Christmas wishlist too! Grab the latest teamwear and rep your favourites in style. Can’t choose what team merch to rep? Get your hands on some F1 wardrobe essentials!
Start an F1 winter reading list
With driver biographies and autobiographies, engineering deep dives and photographic season reviews available, winter is the perfect time to curl up with an F1 book. There’s a whole library of motorsport stories waiting to be explored.
Catch up on all the inside information from the season with F1 podcasts
Out on a walk, doing chores, or simply staying cosy in the house? Winter is ideal for catching up on podcasts. Our three official podcasts are essential listening over the off-season, whether you want to reminisce over the year just passed or to build excitement for the upcoming 2026 season.
F1 Nation has the paddock’s weekly pulse check all season long. Tom Clarkson is joined by a rotating all-star cast of drivers and F1 insiders, including Ollie Bearman, Paul Aron, Valtteri Bottas, Laura Winter, Alex Jaques and more. The show breaks down every Grand Prix in detail only an all-access crew can deliver, and there are plenty to catch up on over the off-season!
If you’re someone who loves getting to know the people of the paddock, F1: Beyond The Grid remains the place to be. Each episode, Tom Clarkson sits down for honest, in-depth interviews with some of the biggest names in the sport. Recent guests have included Esteban Ocon and his race engineer Laura Mueller, Oscar Piastri, Franco Colapinto, World Champion Mika Hakkinen, McLaren bosses Andrea Stella and Zak Brown, and Williams Team Principal James Vowles – who have all offered fresh stories and candid reflections of their time in and out of the sport.
Rounding out the trio is F1 Explains, the show that answers all F1-related questions, thanks to the captivating duo of Katie Osborne and Christian Hewgill. Whether it’s unpacking Ford’s return to the sport with Red Bull, Cadillac’s preparations to join the grid, or what really fuels team mate title battles – each episode helps to make the complex world of F1 that little bit simpler.
Together, these three shows form a fascinating podcast playlist for any fan eager to go deeper than just race weekends. Bundle up, stick your headphones on, and continue to get your F1 fix over the winter break.
Out and about
No issue braving the cold for some motorsport mayhem? Here are some outside excursions for you to get stuck into.
Visit F1 Arcade
Has watching F1 got you itching to try it yourself over the winter break? Live the F1 lifestyle with your motorsport-loving mates at the F1 Arcades in the UK and the USA. Sim racing, food, drinks, and full fan energy – it’s the ultimate F1 hangout and festive party location!
Go karting like Kimi Antonelli
The 2025 season has only just come to a close, but Antontelli was already itching to get behind the wheel! The Mercedes man was seen sharpening his skills early during the off-season with some karting, setting an impressive lap time in wet conditions in Milton Keynes.
Now it’s your turn! Hit your local track or even take it up a notch at F1 Drive, Formula 1’s very own karting circuits. Whether you’re racing mates or chasing lap records like Antonelli, it’s the perfect way to channel your inner champion (plus stay warm and dry at the indoor venues!).
Plan your next GP weekend
Winter is prime planning season if you ask us! Tickets, travel, accommodation, bucket-list destinations – if you want 2026 race weekends locked in early to look forward to, now’s your chance. From classic circuits to brand-new stops on the calendar, there’s a whole season to build your dream itinerary around!
