The Formula 1 paddock is known for its high-speed rivalries and ruthless competition, but once a year, the gloves (and helmets) come off for a tradition that often cuts deeper than any overtake: the annual Secret Santa. The 2025 edition has officially gone down in history as one of the most chaotic and savage exchanges yet, with drivers trading heartfelt gestures for “ragebait” pranks and hilarious reality checks.
While the holidays are usually about peace and goodwill, this year’s festivities saw old wounds reopened and new alliances tested. From George Russell’s jaw-dropping unboxing to a cheeky nod to Lewis Hamilton’s tire temperature woes, here is everything you need to know about the drama that unfolded.
The “Ragebait” of the Year: Leclerc Trolls Russell
Undoubtedly the most talked-about moment of the exchange was the absolute savagery delivered by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to Mercedes’ George Russell. In a move that fans are calling “masterclass trolling,” Leclerc gifted Russell a large, framed photograph of their controversial clash at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix.
For context, the Zandvoort overtake was a flashpoint in the season, with Russell vehemently claiming Leclerc had pushed him off the track. Unwrapping the gift, Russell’s expression shifted from curiosity to sheer disbelief as he realized he was staring at a high-definition reminder of one of his most frustrating races.
“Naughty, naughty, naughty,” Russell muttered, shaking his head as the realization washed over him. He was visibly stunned, admitting to the camera, “I’m lost for words, to be honest.”
To add salt to the wound, Leclerc didn’t stop at just the photo. The gift reportedly included a looping video of the maneuver, ensuring Russell could relive the “illegal” overtake from every angle. When asked if he would wish Leclerc a Merry Christmas, Russell deadpanned, “Not really… maybe I’ll get him a photo of Kimi [Antonelli] crashing him out of the race.”
Russell’s “Warm” Gesture to Hamilton
While Russell was on the receiving end of a brutal roast, he dished out some humor of his own to teammate Lewis Hamilton. In a nod to the technical debates that have plagued the sport—and perhaps Hamilton’s frequent radio messages about tire temperatures—Russell gifted the seven-time World Champion a “tire warmer.”
The gift, a soft textile item described in the chaos of the exchange, was a tongue-in-cheek reference to the crucial, often finicky nature of getting tires into the right operating window. It was a classic “inside baseball” joke that only a teammate could pull off, highlighting the camaraderie (and shared pain) within the Mercedes garage.
Wedding Bells and Walking Sticks
The savagery didn’t stop at the front of the grid. Pierre Gasly decided to poke fun at Charles Leclerc’s recent personal news. Following Leclerc’s engagement to Alexandra Saint Mleux in November, Gasly gifted his friend a book titled “How to Be a Good Husband” (or Comment être un bon époux?).
Leclerc, taking the roast in stride, laughed heartily at the cover. “A guide approved by 1 million women, but my woman is very special,” he charmed, before jokingly adding, “He knows how good of a boyfriend I am already!” It was a wholesome moment that balanced out the tension of the Russell gift.
Meanwhile, the grid’s veteran, Fernando Alonso, was reminded of his seniority in the most hilarious way possible. Nico Hülkenberg, affectionately known as “The Hulk,” gifted the 44-year-old Spaniard a walking stick. Alonso, never one to shy away from banter, accepted the “old man” prop with a grin, joking that he would use it to “hit” Hülkenberg the next time they met in Monaco.
A Tradition of “Petty” Fun
The 2025 Secret Santa proved once again that F1 drivers are just as competitive with wrapping paper as they are with steering wheels. From Lando Norris and Yuki Tsunoda sharing laughs over a Red Bull-themed gift to the confusing exchange of “pimp” (ping pong) paddles involving rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, the energy was electric.
But it is the image of George Russell, standing incredulous with a framed photo of his own defeat, that will define this holiday season. It serves as a reminder that in Formula 1, you can never let your guard down—not even at Christmas.
As the drivers head off for their winter break, one thing is certain: the rivalries are alive and well, and revenge will likely be served cold when the lights go out in 2026.