Surviving F1 Summer Break

Every year, it hits us like a rogue Ferrari strategy call: the Formula 1 summer shutdown.

During the break, the paddock is quiet, the team radios go silent, and the calendar is empty. So, before we get into how to survive the next two weeks as a fan, let’s talk about why this break matters so much.

What does the F1 Summer Shutdown Mean?

The official F1 Summer Shutdown is a mandatory two-week pause where absolutely no F1-related work is allowed. That means no car part development, no wind tunnel testing, no sim runs, no engine design; nothing! The factories shut down. Computers off. Lights out. Everyone out the door. (Well, not everyone, but you get what we mean.)

This year, the 14-day freeze begins Monday, August 11, and lasts until Monday, August 18, with teams returning to work the following week to prep for a fast-paced Zandvoort–Monza double header.

For the teams, this break is more than just a breather. The mechanics, drivers, engineers, strategists, and team principals who have been running full throttle since pre-season testing finally receive a rare chance to stop. Behind the scenes, many team members admit they don’t realize just how exhausted they are until the break hits. It’s a moment to be human again! They get to spend time with family, sleep past 6 a.m., and step off the exhausting treadmill of triple headers and timezone jumps.

While the technical departments power down, marketing and finance departments tend to stay operational, but even they’re encouraged to take time off. You’ll only find basic maintenance continues inside the team facilities, with no performance development allowed.

Now… what can you do during the break?

Rebuild the Grid: LEGO Style

When the lights go out on the track, turn them on at your desk, and build your own Grand Prix from scratch!

The 2025 LEGO lineup is giving everything right now! F1 fans can get their hands on LEGO Speed Champions sets (perfect for quick builds of iconic cars like the McLaren Formula 1 Race Car and Ferrari 812 Competizione), or level up with the LEGO Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance, which offers a detailed, functional build for those who want to pretend they’re part of the Mercedes garage.

Want to go full nostalgia mode? The LEGO Icons Williams FW14B is a must. Think retro details, old-school liveries, and enough buttons to make you feel like you're Nigel Mansell himself. Amazing find for us Williams fans tbh.

Whether you're putting together the whole mini grid (which, by the way, are so fun to turn into keychains) or creating a centerpiece for your shelf or wall, there's something so satisfying about seeing your favorite team come to life brick by brick. Bonus: It’s surprisingly therapeutic.

Get Cozy with an F1 Romance

You know we had to mention an F1 romance novel for your break!

This summer’s must-read is Kiss & Collide by Amanda Weaver, and it just so happens to be our next official PGP Book Club pick.

Launching August 5^th in stores (you can find online here today), this story is everything we love: fiery rivals, complicated pasts, and enough trackside tension to rival the first corner at Monza.

Without giving too much away, expect sparks to fly (on and off the circuit), secrets to unravel, and a FMC who knows how to handle the pressure of both the media and her heart. If you’ve ever watched a podium celebration and imagined what happens after the champagne… this one’s for you.

We’ll be reading along and chatting about it in our upcoming episode, so pick it up, mark your favorite moments, and get ready to swoon!

The F1 Movie Is Back

If you've somehow missed the buzz, here's your reminder: the F1 movie starring Brad Pitt is returning to IMAX for a limited run this August.

Without spoilers, let’s just say this isn’t your average motorsport flick. It was filmed at real races. Real tracks. Real chaos. You’ll recognize pit lanes, corners, and maybe even some cameos if you squint hard enough. The plot is fast, emotional, and surprisingly grounded in the gritty reality of the sport.

Now, let's talk about that IMAX experience, because that’s what we’re interested in. It's not just bigger; it's louder, deeper, and way more immersive! When the cars fly by, your seat rumbles. When the rain hits the visor, you feel it (supposedly realistic, we’ll see). When the radio comes to life… you’ll think you’re in the cockpit.

So basically, this movie + an IMAX theater = the closest we might get to being in the garage.

Podcasts, Playlists, and Pit Lane Gossip

While the world waits for Zandvoort, our eyes and ears can still stay in the action. Summer break is prime catch-up time, and if you’re anything like us, there’s always one episode you meant to listen to but got distracted.

Here’s what’s worth queuing up during the break:

• The Paddock Girls Podcast – That’s us, obviously. We’ve got everything from rookie spotlights to race recaps, spicy opinions, F1 book club chats, and plenty of team drama to keep things entertaining while you’re pretending to work.

• F1: Beyond the Grid – The official F1 podcast. Think deep-dive interviews, personal stories, and behind-the-scenes insight from drivers and legends like Valtteri Bottas, Claire Williams, Alex Albon, and more! Alex literally just did an interview, and we loved learning about the future of Williams. It’s Ideal for those long walks when you’re fantasizing about your future as a team principal or driver.

• Females in Motorsports - If you're a fan of the sport, you have to check out Females in Motorsports. They have a blog, podcast, and more where fans like us can learn more about the women making waves in the industry.

And hey, if you’ve been meaning to refresh your wardrobe or grab some team-inspired accessories, now’s the time. Over on our Instagram, we’ve got Small Business Sundays featured in our highlights; it’s full of creative, fan-run shops that make everything from custom driver merch for your pets to handmade jewelry. If you'd like to be featured, send us a DM and let us know!

Formula 1 might be paused, but fandom never takes a break. So build a car. Read a book. See a movie. Rock your merch. And press play on another episode!