Indy 500 celebrations, motorbike madness and prestigious awards – what F1 drivers have been up to before Monaco

After a week away, Formula 1 is heading back to Europe for one of the most prestigious races on the calendar – the Monaco Grand Prix. But as ever, the drivers have made sure every moment of the gap between events has been well spent ahead of a busy summer of travelling and racing.

From Indy 500 celebrations to motorbike madness, trophy ceremonies and birthday surprises – the grid has been making the most of their week away from competing. Here’s what the drivers have been up to before descending on Monte Carlo for race week...

Antonelli's memorable week at home

It was a busy and rather emotional week for Championship leader Kimi Antonelli away from racing. First, he headed to Emilia-Romagna to receive the coveted Lorenzo Bandini Trophy – an award within F1 presented annually for commendable performance in motorsport. This award can only be awarded once to a driver, so to receive the honour in just his second season in the sport is remarkable.

Still, it’s a fitting honour for a driver who has captured the hearts of motorsport fans alongside his incredible string of victories this season – made all the more special by the presence of his family and the Mercedes team in his home country.

The occasion also brought a wonderful full-circle moment for the Antonelli family – as Kimi got behind the wheel of his father's GT3 race car for a drive through Motor Valley, the heartland of Italian motorsport. Moments don’t come much more special than this!

Just after Antonelli caught his breath, the Mercedes man was front and centre at Mugello for MotoGP where he waved the chequered flag for his compatriot Marco Bezzecchi as he took an emotional home victory for the very first time. The celebrations carried an extra layer of significance – with Antonelli leading the F1 standings and Bezzecchi topping the table in MotoGP, the pair became the first Italian leaders of both championships simultaneously since 1952.

Watching the celebrations for an Italian rider on home soil will no doubt have provided its own kind of inspiration, and when we head to Monza later this summer, you suspect Antonelli will arrive with that image in mind...

Indy celebrations for Lando

Lando Norris made the most of his post-Montreal Monday as he headed down to Indianapolis to join in the Indy 500 celebrations. He wasted no time in congratulating winner Felix Rosenqvist, before being taken around the iconic oval by ex-racing driver and Arrow McLaren Team Principal Tony Kanaan. There was no wiping the smile off Norris’ face, and the perfect pick-me-up after a tough weekend in Montreal.

After leaving the track, Norris linked up with McLaren team mate Pato O’Ward for a tour of the Arrow McLaren centre nearby, finding time afterwards for some golf with Zak Brown and Arrow McLaren driver Christian Lundgard – an enjoyable trip for last year’s World Champion.

Oscar PiasTTri

Oscar Piastri clearly couldn’t get enough of motorsport action during the week away from racing – and where better to head than the Isle of Man TT. The Australian was clearly in awe of the riders tackling one of the longest and most unforgiving courses in the world, even watching the action from a front garden – fully embracing the spirit of one of motorsport's most unique events.

Hollywood star Channing Tatum was also on the island, filming for an upcoming movie about the TT, so could we get a brief Piastri cameo? We can only hope!

If that wasn’t enough excitement in one week, it was announced that a newly discovered species of wasp has been named after him, called 'Gwesped piastrii'.

Found in Burmese amber in northern Myanmar, the researchers chose to honour Piastri for his achievements in F1, as the amber reminded them of McLaren’s papaya look. Not many drivers can say they have a whole species named after them!

#43 turns 23!

Wednesday marked Franco Colapinto’s 23rd birthday, and whilst life between races doesn’t always leave much room for celebrations, team mate Pierre Gasly wasn’t going to let the occasion pass without a gesture.

Despite being on the move in the back of a car, Gasly presented Colapinto with a ginormous slice of cake – candle and all! Not quite a birthday party, but this was pretty sweet.

McLaren at the Nurburgring

McLaren are preparing to celebrate a very special milestone in Monaco as they become just the second constructor to reach 1000 races in F1 – and it looks like they have already got some treats planned for their drivers and fans. Norris and Piastri enjoyed some time in Germany before this week’s race, as they took on the legendary Nordschleife track in a variety of McLaren’s finest cars.

The pair certainly looked like they enjoyed the experience despite the damp conditions – but we wonder what else the Woking outfit has planned for their landmark race at the legendary Monaco Grand Prix...

Hockey at home

Lance Stroll certainly made the most of his Montreal home race, enjoying a special track day courtesy of Honda and debuting his special helmet during the Sprint weekend. The Aston Martin man also made use of the extra week before Monaco, staying in his home city to catch the Montreal Canadiens’ home game in the NHL Conference Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Unfortunately, the Canadiens lost their match-up, falling 4-1 in the series, but Stroll still found time to meet up with some of the squad before the game – a lovely trip home for the 27-year-old!

Drivers in their element away from the track

And finally, a few of the drivers took quality time away from all things racing to fill their cups. Carlos Sainz was in his happy place on the water, while George Russell attended a wedding with his partner Carmen Montero Mundt.

Gasly certainly had a good weekend, as the Frenchman was absolutely beside himself as PSG won the Champions League final on Saturday – leaping around the room in scenes of elation. His dog Simba was in his arms throughout and seemed considerably less thrilled by the whole thing!

Speaking of winning, Valtteri Bottas was in full supporter mode as his partner Tiffany Cromwell claimed victory at the Australian Gravel Championships for the second time – congratulations to her!