After the intense 2025 Formula 1 season concluded earlier this month, drivers finally got a chance to unwind and celebrate Christmas with their loved ones. Before heading into the holidays, however, the grid participated in a lighthearted Secret Santa gift exchange, where some competitors seized the opportunity to playfully roast their colleagues with some truly cheeky presents.
The Prank Gifts That Stole The Show
The exchange was filled with humour and inside jokes. Fernando Alonso, the grid's most experienced driver, received a particularly pointed gift from Nico Hulkenberg: a walking stick. This was a clear nod to Alonso's veteran status. The Aston Martin driver joked that he would use the stick to hit Hulkenberg if he saw him in Monaco.
In another funny moment, Carlos Sainz found himself on the receiving end of combs and hairbands from Isack Hadjar, a playful dig perhaps at the Ferrari driver's impeccable hair. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc gifted George Russell a framed photo of the moment Leclerc made contact with Russell's Mercedes during an overtake. Russell did not appreciate the reminder, sarcastically thanking Leclerc for "nothing" and even refusing to wish him a Merry Christmas. He suggested returning the favour with a picture of Kimi Antonelli pushing Leclerc out later in that same race.
Thoughtful & Personal Presents
Not all gifts were meant as pranks. Some showed a more personal touch. Lando Norris was thrilled to receive two posters of Alex Albon from his Secret Santa—one from Albon's younger years and a more recent one. Norris revealed he had an old Albon poster on his bedroom wall for over a decade and these would be perfect replacements. Albon himself gifted Norris a book about Thailand, which actually helped Norris guess his Secret Santa's identity.
Fernando Alonso, playing Santa for Alex Albon, gifted him a Spanish cookbook. Albon initially seemed unimpressed but warmed up to the idea after browsing through the delicious-looking food pictures. Pierre Gasly gave Charles Leclerc a Santa hat and a French book titled 'How to Be a Husband,' with the instruction to return it after reading.
Teammates & Training Buddies Join In
The festive spirit extended to teammates and training partners. Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar received an alarm clock from teammate Liam Lawson, a humorous nudge about his punctuality. Lawson got a tripod and a book called 'Make a TikTok Every Day' from Ollie Bearman.
Kimi Antonelli and Pierre Gasly, who bonded over games of padel during the year, exchanged thoughtful gifts. Gasly received a set of padel accessories from Antonelli, including socks, a cap, and a card. Antonelli, in turn, was gifted an Ayrton Senna car puzzle and an unusual pillow featuring his own face, courtesy of Lando Norris.
The 2025 Secret Santa revealed a lighter side to the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1, showcasing the camaraderie and playful relationships that exist between drivers off the track. It was a perfect way to cap off a long season before the winter break.
