How our duo spent the winter break

Discover what Carlos and Alex have been up to in their time away from the track

Published

07 JAN 2026

Est. reading time

2 min

The clock is ticking down towards 2026 pre-season testing, and our duo are now busy getting prepped for the 24-race campaign that lays ahead of them.

However, the winter break did allow Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon to disconnect from the hectic world of Formula 1 and recharge their batteries ahead of the new season.

Here’s what they got up to in their downtime.

Carlos Sainz

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Carlos spent his New Year in Mexico, getting some well-deserved R&R in warmer temperatures than we’re currently experiencing in Europe.

Plenty of sun, sea and, of course, golf was on the schedule for CS55 during his downtime, as well as keeping a close eye on the Dakar Rally, where his father, Carlos Sainz Sr, is taking part in the iconic event for the 19th time.

Upon his return to Europe, he was straight back onto the bike as part of his pre-season programme, as well as taking a trip to the Salle Gaston Médecin to watch Monaco defeat Partizan 101-84 in EuroLeague basketball.

Alex Albon

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Whilst his teammate headed west from Europe, Alex flew east to spend his break in Asia. The first stop for our Thai racer was a trip home, taking it easy in Phuket with his partner, pro-golfer Lily Muni He.

After relaxing on the seas and shores of Thailand, the pair headed to the landlocked Himalayan nation of Bhutan. One stop included the famous Paro Taktsang, or Tiger's Nest Monastery – a sacred Buddhist site built over 300 years ago high above the Paro valley.

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Fully recharged, our duo are now busy getting ready for the 2026 season, with the first private pre-season test coming later this month in Barcelona.

A new look for the team in Formula 1’s all-new regulations era will be unveiled on Tuesday 3 February

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