Esteban Ocon Receives a Fun Christmas Gift from Charles Leclerc...

Esteban Ocon Receives a Fun Christmas Gift from Charles Leclerc…read more

As the Formula 1 winter break unfolds, excitement is building for the 2025 season, with several high-profile driver changes lined up. However, amidst the preparations for next year, F1 drivers have been sharing the joy of the festive season, including a fun Secret Santa exchange. Among the drivers, Esteban Ocon has received a Christmas gift from none other than his fellow French driver, Charles Leclerc, that perfectly aligns with his personal interests.

The 2024 F1 season, which was the longest in the sport’s history, has come to a close, and many drivers are looking forward to the upcoming season. Some notable moves have already been announced, including Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari, Carlos Sainz’s move to Williams, and Liam Lawson being promoted to the main Red Bull team, where he will partner Max Verstappen. Additionally, Esteban Ocon, who has been axed from Alpine, has secured a new seat with the Haas team, where he made his debut during the season-ending tyre test.

In the midst of these team shifts, Ocon’s Christmas gift caught the attention of fans and fellow drivers. The gift, however, wasn’t related to F1 cars or anything motorsport-specific. Instead, it was a remote-controlled (RC) car, a clear nod to Ocon’s well-known love for racing RC cars in his downtime.

Ocon’s passion for remote-controlled cars is something that fans of the sport have observed over the years. The French driver has been spotted racing RC cars around the paddock on several occasions, and even joined Lewis Hamilton in a friendly race during a Grand Prix weekend last season. This hobby has become a bit of a trademark for Ocon, and it didn’t go unnoticed by his fellow drivers.

For this year’s Secret Santa exchange, which was organized for the official F1 YouTube channel, Ocon was the recipient of a special RC car. As he opened the gift, Ocon shared his excitement with his followers, revealing that it was a drift RC car, albeit one that he described as “low quality” and “low budget.” Despite the modesty of the gift, Ocon clearly appreciated the thoughtful gesture. He went on to say, “It’s been well thought actually, and yeah, I’m gonna have some fun, or I’m gonna give it to a little kid of mine.”

The connection to Ocon’s love for RC cars was soon confirmed, with Ocon himself speculating that the gift might have come from none other than Charles Leclerc. His hunch turned out to be accurate, and it was revealed that Leclerc had indeed been Ocon’s Secret Santa. The gift, though simple, showcased Leclerc’s understanding of Ocon’s interests and was a perfect match for the French driver’s off-track hobbies.

In his thank-you message to Leclerc, Ocon expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you Charles, you know me well! Obviously, I’m a radio-controlled freak, I love it, so merci mon pote.” This heartfelt acknowledgment from Ocon not only highlighted the close bond between the two drivers but also offered a glimpse into the camaraderie that exists among F1 stars outside of the competitive racing environment.

Leclerc, known for his friendly and down-to-earth nature, has often been seen participating in various fun and light-hearted moments with his fellow drivers, and this Secret Santa exchange was no exception. His thoughtful gift demonstrated his awareness of Ocon’s personal interests and added a touch of festive cheer to the off-season.

As for Ocon, his love for RC cars continues to be a light-hearted aspect of his personality that fans can enjoy, and this gift will likely bring him plenty of joy during the winter break. The exchange also served as a reminder of the strong sense of community within Formula 1, where drivers often share moments of fun and friendship, despite the intense competition on the track.

With the 2025 season on the horizon, Ocon and his fellow drivers are gearing up for another year of racing. However, for now, they are taking a well-deserved break, enjoying the holiday season, and exchanging thoughtful gifts like this one from Leclerc. As the winter break continues, F1 fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the careers of their favorite drivers, but for the moment, they can enjoy these lighter, more personal moments that bring some festive cheer to the sport.