Charles Leclerc leaves George Russell speechless with cheeky Christmas gift

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc closed out the 2025 Formula 1 season with a playful touch, leaving Mercedes driver George Russell stunned with an unexpected and highly personal Christmas gift. During the traditional Secret Santa exchange among F1 drivers, the Monegasque drew the name of the British driver and decided to target a moment that had left a lingering mark from the season: the controversial overtake at Zandvoort.

The 28-year-old from Monte Carlo gave George Russell a framed photo capturing the overtaking maneuver from the Dutch Grand Prix — one of the most debated incidents of the championship — along with a video replay of the move in slow motion. The carefully planned gesture transformed a fierce on-track battle into a humorous Christmas prank, walking the fine line between friendly teasing and playful provocation. That very attack had infuriated the Mercedes driver, who believed the maneuver had exceeded the track limits.

George Russell’s reaction was immediate, highlighting just how effective the gift had been. He initially expressed genuine surprise, admitting, “I was left speechless, truly.” But then he added a remark that quickly made the rounds in the paddock: “Naughty, naughty, naughty,” a typically English phrase used to playfully scold someone for a minor mischief — in simple terms: “Cheeky.”

The banter did not end there. In true British style, George Russell fired back with another playful jab, referencing a different key moment from the season. Laughing, he said, “Will I send him a Christmas greeting? No, I think I’ll send a photo of Kimi taking him out of the race,” alluding to the Brazil Grand Prix incident when Andrea Kimi Antonelli, after contact, forced Leclerc to retire on the first lap.

This festive exchange between Charles Leclerc and George Russell also highlights the contrast between on-track politics and off-track camaraderie. While Ferrari and Mercedes continue to clash over the 2026 regulations and the controversy surrounding the alleged “trick” in the German team’s new power unit, the atmosphere between the drivers appears far more relaxed. Rivalries remain, and sharp jabs are still part of the game, but they are now expressed with humor and light-hearted teasing. When the engines are off, at least between Charles Leclerc and George Russell, Formula 1 seems to speak a language entirely different from the one used in the FIA corridors.