As the drivers head down to Sao Paulo ahead of a vibrant and action-packed Sprint weekend at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, the energy is already building. After the thrills of Mexico City, the grid took a brief moment to recover, reset, and refill their cups before diving back into the penultimate Sprint weekend of the 2025 season.
Whilst some laid low and put in those all-important preparations for the upcoming final four races of the season, there was also a chance to let off steam, have some fun, and one driver had something far more personal on the agenda…
Leclerc’s proposal
Charles Leclerc and Alexandra Saint Mleux had some happy news to share over the week away from racing, announcing their engagement on Instagram with a series of loved-up photos featuring their dog, Leo, proudly part of the moment (of course!). The paddock was quick to celebrate, with drivers and fans flooding the comments to send their congratulations to the happy couple.
A familiar face around the paddock over race weekends, Alexandra has built her own following through her work in art and fashion, all while supporting Charles through the highs and lows of the season. It seems the off-season will be anything but quiet for the pair – wedding planning now takes its place alongside gym and simulator sessions on Leclerc’s schedule!
Halloween fun
Halloween gave the drivers another excuse to have some fun away from the track – and they didn’t waste it! We already know how much the grid enjoys dressing up (just think back to the cowboy hats and boots that took over Austin at the US Grand Prix), and this weekend’s celebrations were just as enthusiastic from some of the drivers.
Lando Norris led the charge, as the Brit swapped race suits with MotoGP star Fabio Quartararo in a crossover that felt a little too perfect to just be a coincidence…
In between rounds of golf, Liam Lawson spent his Halloween with friends whilst squeezing in some all-important recovery time in the HOCATT (or Hyperthermic Ozone and Carbonic Acid Transdermal Technology) machine – although it looks a bit too cold in there for our liking!
Alex Albon got in the spooky spirit by heading to a pumpkin patch, that could be in the running for producing the largest pumpkins we have ever seen! He also gave fans a jump scare as he took to the skies in a small jet – the Thai driver taking thrill-seeking to the next level.
End of season preparations
Amongst all the fun of a week off, it’s pivotal that the drivers find time to stay focussed and prepare for the upcoming final four races of the season – case in point: Oscar Piastri.
Not wanting to settle for P2 in the Drivers’ Championship, the Aussie made sure to get some time in on the simulator whilst at home. With so few races left to prepare for this season, it could seem like a chore – but this post from the McLaren driver assured his fans that he’s still locked in!
Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso got his training in on two wheels, as he took his custom bike for a spin… and just in case anyone forgot just how much the Spaniard has won over his long career, let his bike show you!
.webp?ssl=1 "5 Winners and 5 Losers from the Japanese Grand Prix – who stood out in Suzuka?")
.webp?ssl=1 "McLaren ‘surprised’ themselves with Japanese Grand Prix pace as Andrea Stella hails ‘positive’ day after Oscar Piastri podium")
%20(1).webp?ssl=1 "Catch all the action from Round 3 of the 2026 F1 Sim Racing World Championship")
