What F1 drivers have been up to in February

F1 drivers balanced intense pre-season preparations with leisure activities as the 2026 season approached. February saw them celebrate birthdays and Valentine's Day, alongside team duties. Tennis star Carlos Alcaraz visited Bahrain, meeting Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso, while drivers like Alex Albon, Sainz, and Lando Norris played golf. Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu bonded over padel. Training intensified with Arvid Lindblad, Sainz, and Lance Stroll focusing on fitness. Many drivers, including Max Verstappen in endurance racing, found time behind other wheels, while teams conducted crucial testing in Bahrain and Silverstone. Drivers also unveiled their new helmets, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris among those showcasing fresh designs, building excitement for the upcoming season.