They’re famously often known as the quickest of the quick and a number of the most fearless rivals on earth. There isn’t any doubt that the present crop of Method 1 drivers are bursting with expertise on observe, however do you know the world’s greatest racers have loads of off observe tips up their sleeves too?
From live performance pianos to DJ decks, judo mats to magic tips, and even a number of musicians, the 2025 grid hides a wealth of sudden expertise that followers won’t ever see. Listed below are six of one of the best examples of drivers who shine simply as brightly away from the observe.
Yuki the Bloodhound
It’s clear that Yuki Tsunoda has a severe knack for cooking, as soon as even stating that when even stating that it might be a dream to open his personal restaurant. Nonetheless, what may be much less well-known is his different self-proclaimed expertise, which fortunately pairs fairly neatly together with his love of meals.
In an interview with Talking Bull (Red Bull Racing’s official podcast), Tsunoda was proud to disclose some hidden lore – that he has a noticeably sharp sense of odor – one thing his staff typically teases him about. It’s simple to see how that ties into his ardour for cooking, the place he depends on aroma as a component of style.
Perhaps it’s that sharp nostril that makes him such a very good cook dinner – or maybe he simply likes figuring out what everybody’s having for lunch.
Lewis the singer
It’s no secret that seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton is a person with many skills. His creativity runs deeper than his record-breaking F1 profession might counsel, from designing his personal trend collections to advocating for social and environmental causes.
However music has at all times held a particular place in his life. The Brit has spent years exploring singing, songwriting, and manufacturing, even contributing uncredited vocals to Christina Aguilera’s observe “Pipe” below the alias XNDA.
Nonetheless, Hamilton has made it clear that creating music is greater than a pastime – it’s as an alternative a solution to step away from the stress of racing and the calls for of touring the world. Timing, emotion, and circulation matter simply as a lot in a track as they do on the observe, making it simple to see why he’s drawn to each worlds. Music offers him a artistic outlet that’s totally for himself, an area to mirror and experiment together with his creativity.
Isack the judoka physicist
Along with his father being a quantum physicist, Isack Hadjar has admitted in interviews he might need adopted an identical path if racing hadn’t taken off – even saying he “would have ended up learning physics or engineering” as an alternative. His love and expertise for maths and science runs deep sufficient that he’s adorned 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 bodily focus wanted for driving that was formed by years of judo coaching. Hadjar rose via the ranks all the best way as much as reaching the coveted brown belt as a child earlier than dedicating himself absolutely to racing, it’s clear the talents have stayed with him. Collectively, they make him one of the vital gifted rookies on the grid, having already achieved his first podium in Zandvoort this year.
Carlos the weatherman
Carlos Sainz has at all times been severe about a wide range of sports activities, however he has a distinct segment talent away from the sporting area – predicting the climate…
During a media activity with ex-McLaren staff mate Lando Norris, the Spaniard claimed he has been often known as the ‘Shepherd’ because of his potential to foretell climate adjustments. This uncommon talent might possible be attributed to his in depth out of doors actions corresponding to racing, biking, and loads of golf.
And whereas it might be a light-hearted declare, you possibly can think about how that instinct may simply turn out to be useful on a race weekend.
Liam the musician
Liam Lawson has a deep reference to music that goes past informal listening or having assembled the right race weekend playlist. The Kiwi performs guitar, sings, and has even been identified to cowl acoustic hits within the studio, having shared clips on-line nicely earlier than he reached F1.
In interviews, Lawson has revealed that music is a solution to focus and recharge, a pastime that balances the depth of racing. He’s admitted that if motorsport hadn’t labored out, he might have pursued music full-time.
Fernando the magician
In case you’ve ever seen Fernando Alonso pull off a daring overtake or a mind-boggling technique on observe, it won’t be a shock to many to be taught that he’s acquired a little bit of a magician’s contact… actually. The 2-time World Champion has lengthy loved performing card tips and sleight-of-hand illusions, the place he’s typically saved teammates and crew entertained within the paddock.
The Spaniard’s love of magic goes again years, studying the fundamentals from his grandfather when he was little and rapidly turned hooked. In interviews, Alonso has revealed that he’s drawn to tips which can be easy however spectacular, and claimed that he approaches them the identical manner he does racing: with cautious preparation and whole focus.
He’s been filmed wonderful folks with tips throughout his stint in endurance racing, together with the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the place even drivers had been gobsmacked by a few of his tips. Nonetheless, we’d argue that it’s not simply the playing cards, as we’re certain there have been numerous instances throughout his 24 years in F1 the place his rivals had been left pondering El Nano had somewhat magic in him.
Lando the DJ
Regardless of stating in interviews that his “DJ profession has come to an finish,” it was clear from that brief stint that Lando Norris has an actual ear for music. He as soon as even blended enterprise with pleasure, with the Brit taking part in a set on the official afterparty following the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix.
Lando has made loads of appearances behind the decks of Zedd and Martin Garrix at festivals and performances, maybe selecting up a number of expertise from the professional DJ’s themselves. Though he’s adamant that he is given up his facet hustle, we’ll nonetheless be holding out for that EP drop Lando!
