The 2025 Formula 1 season may have concluded, but the off-track rivalry and camaraderie among drivers are heating up in the most festive way possible. The grid's stars recently engaged in a hilarious round of Secret Santa, gifting each other with a mix of humour, cheekiness, and memorable moments that have sent fans into a frenzy.
The Prank That Started It All
This year's Secret Santa, featured in a video on the official F1 YouTube channel, saw drivers from all teams participate. The fun began with Alpine's Pierre Gasly gifting Ferrari's Charles Leclerc a book titled 'How to Be a Good Husband?', a gag that left both Leclerc and fans in splits. However, the Monegasque driver soon turned the tables when it was his turn to play Santa.
Leclerc's 'Naughty' Gift to Russell
Charles Leclerc drew the name of Mercedes driver George Russell. Instead of a conventional present, Leclerc opted for a brilliantly mischievous gift. He presented Russell with a framed photograph of his overtaking manoeuvre on Russell at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. Alongside the frame was a video replay of the same moment, rubbing salt into the wound with a smile.
When confronted with this gift, George Russell was visibly stunned. "I'm lost for words..." he admitted with a laugh when asked if he would display it in his living room. The gift was universally acknowledged as a masterclass in playful trolling from one competitor to another.
Russell's Vow of Revenge and Christmas Snub
The prank did not end with the gift exchange. In a subsequent interaction, Russell was asked if he would wish Leclerc a Merry Christmas. His response was immediate and clear: "Not really, to be honest, not really." He then hinted at potential retaliation, suggesting, "Maybe I'll get him another photo of Kimi crashing him out of the race."
This threat references two critical incidents from the 2025 season. At that same Dutch Grand Prix, shortly after Leclerc passed Russell, rookie Kimi Antonelli spun the Ferrari driver out of the race. Antonelli was involved in another collision with Leclerc later at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo, during a multi-car crash initiated by McLaren's Oscar Piastri hitting Antonelli, who then collided with Leclerc's car.
The 2025 F1 Secret Santa has brilliantly captured the lighter side of the intense rivalries that define the sport. While Leclerc currently holds the bragging rights with his perfectly framed jab, Russell's promise of a counter-gift suggests this festive feud is far from over. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if the Mercedes driver can indeed turn the tables on his Ferrari rival.
