The closing stint of the 2023 Formula 1 season was demanding to say the least. After 5 races in 6 weekends, the F1 world needed a well-deserved rest. However, we are in for even more action in 2024, with 24 races lined up from February to December. But before they go back to work, our favorite Formula 1 drivers kicked off the new year celebrations in style. Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet welcomed the new year with their friends, while Lewis Hamilton spent time with his rumored girlfriend Juliana Nalu in Brazil. Looks like everyone had a great time.
Max and Kelly often leave the F1 community in awe by sharing moments from their time spent together on social media, and the celebration on New Year’s Eve was no different. Hamilton, on the other hand, likes to keep his love life private. However, he was spotted a few days earlier in Brazil partying with her rumored love interest Juliana Nalu and he keeps enjoying in Brazil entering 2024.
This is how our F1 stars celebrated the New Year
Kelly Piquet shared pictures of her time spent with Max and their friends. They had a perfect night. Roaming the streets, party music, dancing, and sealing the day with a kiss. Kelly wrote on her Instagram, “Happy 2024 ✨ Started the year the best possible way 🤍.”
Lewis Hamilton didn’t share his whereabouts on New Year’s Eve, but he was spotted spending some quality time in Brazil with friends and Juliana.
George Russell posted photos of himself, his girlfriend Carmen Mundt, and Fernando Alonso among other friends, having a fun time partying.
Pierre Gasly also spent time with his girlfriend Kika Gomes in Dubai and sent heartwarming wishes our way as he wrote, “Happy New Year from us. 🤍 Let’s get to new heights in 2024. Wishing + trophy, + love, + laughters. Most importantly I hope everyone stays healthy, look after yourself and your loved ones.”
Valtteri Bottas embraced the celebratory spirit in a different way. The Finnish driver opted for an early morning bike ride with his partner as he so often does, showcasing his commitment to both fitness and enjoyment.
Esteban Ocon and Mick Schumacher also spent time together with their girlfriends and other friends.
It’s just been over a month with no Formula 1 action and the anticipation is already building up for the 2024 season. Will anyone be able to close the gap to Max Verstappen?
Max Verstappen predicts a tighter F1 grid in 2024
The reigning champion is anticipating a more closely contested Formula 1 season in 2024. Despite his dominating performance in the previous campaign, where he secured his third F1 title by winning 19 out of 22 races, Verstappen foresees a tougher challenge for Red Bull.
Speaking to the media, Verstappen acknowledged the achievements but emphasized the importance of continuous improvement. He expressed, “Realistically, it can’t be much better than what we have achieved. But I think it’s not always about trying to win 20 races, it’s also about just trying to find improvements within yourself and within the car.” Verstappen suggests that the unpredictable nature of competition, where different teams shine on different weekends, will contribute to a more competitive field in the upcoming season.
“So I expect next year, people are learning a lot with this new regulation as well, that naturally [the field] will be quite a bit closer,” Verstappen suggested.
If Verstappen’s predictions do come true and the field does close up a bit. Which team do you think will be closest to Red Bull? Share your thoughts down below in the comments.
