Drivers and staff in Formula 1 are entitled to enjoy the winter break however they see fit.
George Russell has decided to head home to spend Christmas in England with his family and girlfriend, while the man he replaced at Mercedes Valtteri Bottas has elected to chase the sun in Australia, the birthplace of his partner.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has endured a relatively stress free 2022, with his team storming to both championships in the new era of Formula 1 while their arch rivals Mercedes struggled.
The energy drink giants struggled early on with reducing the weight of the RB-18, but once they managed to do so, the car was almost unbeatable compared to the cars driven by the Ferrari and Mercedes drivers.
READ: Christian Horner admits FIA surprise after Max Verstappen success
Horner is now enjoying his Christmas at home with his wife and children before pre-season testing begins early next year in preparation for the 2023 season and has revealed his slightly odd Christmas Eve ritual.
While most parents would help their children leave Santa a mince pie and a glass of milk before they go to bed on Christmas Eve, Horner took to Instagram to show what he had left out for Santa, a can of Red Bull alongside the traditional mince pie, cookie and carrot.
Having been with the team since Red Bull joined Formula 1 all those years ago, it is no surprise that it is second nature for Horner and his family to promote the energy drink that has been a key part of their lives.
READ: This is what’s stopping Max Verstappen from being one of the all-time F1 greats
When the Brit eventually does return to the team’s base in Milton Keynes to begin preparations for the 2023 season, Horner will have his work cut out for him if he wishes to retain both championships next year.
Red Bull have had their wind tunnel testing time cut by ten percent as punishment for their breach of the 2021 cost cap, meaning that they will have significantly less time to run tests on various prototype parts for the RB-19 than their rivals, especially Mercedes.
If Max Verstappen can show the levels of quality and consistency that he did last season once again, the team might have a reasonable chance of retaining the drivers’ championship, but with Mercedes and Ferrari both expected to up their game it might come down to the performances of Sergio Perez to defend the team’s constructors’ title.