Inside the hidden talents and off-track skills of Formula 1 drivers

They’re famously known as the fastest of the fast and some of the most fearless competitors on earth. There is no doubt that the current crop of Formula 1 drivers are bursting with talent on track, but did you know the world’s best racers have plenty of off track tricks up their sleeves too?

From concert pianos to DJ decks, judo mats to magic tricks, and even a host of musicians, the 2025 grid hides a wealth of unexpected skills that fans might not ever see. Here are six of the best examples of drivers who shine just as brightly away from the track.

Yuki the Bloodhound

It’s clear that Yuki Tsunoda has a serious knack for cooking, once even stating that once even stating that it would be a dream to open his own restaurant. However, what might be less well known is his other self-proclaimed talent, which thankfully pairs pretty neatly with his love of food.

In an interview with Talking Bull (Red Bull Racing’s official podcast), Tsunoda was proud to reveal some hidden lore – that he has a noticeably sharp sense of smell – something his team often teases him about. It’s easy to see how that ties into his passion for cooking, where he relies on aroma as an element of taste.

Maybe it’s that sharp nose that makes him such a good cook – or perhaps he just likes knowing what everyone’s having for lunch.

Lewis the singer

It’s no secret that seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton is a man with many talents. His creativity runs deeper than his record-breaking F1 career may suggest, from designing his own fashion collections to advocating for social and environmental causes.

But music has always held a special place in his life. The Brit has spent years exploring singing, songwriting, and production, even contributing uncredited vocals to Christina Aguilera’s track “Pipe” under the alias XNDA.

However, Hamilton has made it clear that creating music is more than a hobby – it is instead a way to step away from the stress of racing and the demands of touring the world. Timing, emotion, and flow matter just as much in a song as they do on the track, making it easy to see why he’s drawn to both worlds. Music gives him a creative outlet that’s entirely for himself, a space to reflect and experiment with his creativity.

Isack the judoka physicist

With his father being a quantum physicist, Isack Hadjar has admitted in interviews he might have followed a similar path if racing hadn’t taken off – even saying he “would have ended up studying physics or engineering” instead. His love and talent for maths and science runs deep enough that he’s decorated his racing helmets with equations, a small nod to his dad and respect for the specialism.

Alongside this, the French-Algerian driver developed the sense of calm and physical focus needed for driving that was shaped by years of judo training. Hadjar rose through the ranks all the way up to achieving the coveted brown belt as a kid before dedicating himself fully to racing, it’s clear the skills have stayed with him. Together, they make him one of the most talented rookies on the grid, having already achieved his first podium in Zandvoort this year.

Carlos the weatherman

Carlos Sainz has always been serious about a variety of sports, but he has a niche skill away from the sporting arena – predicting the weather…

During a media activity with ex-McLaren team mate Lando Norris, the Spaniard claimed he has been known as the ‘Shepherd’ due to his ability to predict weather changes. This unusual skill could likely be attributed to his extensive outdoor activities such as racing, cycling, and plenty of golf.

And while it may be a light-hearted claim, you can imagine how that intuition might just come in handy on a race weekend.

Liam the musician

Liam Lawson has a deep connection with music that goes beyond casual listening or having assembled the perfect race weekend playlist. The Kiwi plays guitar, sings, and has even been known to cover acoustic hits in the studio, having shared clips online well before he reached F1.

In interviews, Lawson has revealed that music is a way to focus and recharge, a hobby that balances the intensity of racing. He’s admitted that if motorsport hadn’t worked out, he could have pursued music full-time.

Fernando the magician

If you’ve ever seen Fernando Alonso pull off a daring overtake or a mind-boggling strategy on track, it might not be a surprise to many to learn that he’s got a bit of a magician’s touch… literally. The two-time World Champion has long enjoyed performing card tricks and sleight-of-hand illusions, where he’s often kept teammates and crew entertained in the paddock.

The Spaniard’s love of magic goes back years, learning the basics from his grandfather when he was little and quickly became hooked. In interviews, Alonso has revealed that he’s drawn to tricks that are simple but spectacular, and claimed that he approaches them the same way he does racing: with careful preparation and total concentration.

He’s been filmed amazing people with tricks during his stint in endurance racing, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where even drivers were gobsmacked by some of his tricks. However, we’d argue that it’s not just the cards, as we’re sure there have been countless times during his 24 years in F1 where his competitors were left thinking El Nano had a little magic in him.

Lando the DJ

Despite stating in interviews that his “DJ career has come to an end,” it was clear from that short stint that Lando Norris has a real ear for music. He once even mixed business with pleasure, with the Brit playing a set at the official afterparty following the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix.

Lando has made plenty of appearances behind the decks of Zedd and Martin Garrix at festivals and performances, perhaps picking up a few skills from the pro DJ’s themselves. Although he’s adamant that he’s given up his side hustle, we’ll still be holding out for that EP drop Lando!