Why January could be the busiest month for F1 drivers

January is proving to be a surprisingly hectic month for Formula 1 drivers, despite the lack of track action. Far from relaxing after the season, drivers are immersed in intensive training camps, often in diverse climates, to sharpen their physical fitness for the demanding year ahead. Alongside rigorous physical preparation, their schedules are packed with media commitments, sponsor events, and content creation for team unveilings. This year, an early shakedown in Barcelona for 2026 cars adds another layer of activity, allowing teams to privately test new machines. Amidst this busy period, drivers also attend awards ceremonies and manage to carve out some much-needed downtime before the March season opener in Melbourne.