Verstappen's Vegas-Themed Shirt, Alonso's Walking Stick: F1's Festive Gifts Revealed

F1's off-season featured some festive banter, with Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso receiving Christmas gifts that perfectly encapsulated their 2025 campaigns. Verstappen's girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, gifted him a T-shirt commemorating his dominant Las Vegas win, while Nico Hülkenberg playfully presented Alonso with a walking stick, a nod to the Spaniard's incredible longevity.

Why it matters:

These light-hearted moments offer a glimpse into the F1 paddock's culture and highlight the defining narratives of the season. Verstappen's gift underscores a signature victory in a challenging year, while Alonso's is a testament to his remarkable, age-defying performance, reminding everyone of the unique personalities and storylines that make the sport compelling beyond the racetrack.

The details:

• Verstappen's Vegas shirt: The T-shirt features an image of his Las Vegas GP celebration, complete with the trophy, podium glasses, and his now-famous middle finger gesture—a moment that briefly reignited his title hopes following the post-race disqualification of both McLarens.
• Alonso's Secret Santa gift: The walking stick from Hülkenberg was a humorous reference to Alonso being the oldest driver on the grid by a significant margin and set to turn 45 next year.
• Performance context: Despite the age-related joke, Alonso's 2025 season was exceptional. He decisively outperformed his Aston Martin teammate, notably with a flawless 24-0 record in qualifying head-to-heads, proving his pace remains undiminished.

Between the lines:

The off-season chatter also includes a growing narrative around Carlos Sainz, with former driver Johnny Herbert drawing a parallel between him and Verstappen. The suggestion is that Sainz, much like Verstappen, has all the tools necessary to win a championship if provided with a truly competitive car, adding another layer of intrigue to the 2026 driver market and team dynamics.