© Insta @yukitsunoda0511Winter Break Yuki Edition
HaveyoueverwonderedwhataFormulaOnedriverdoesduringtheWinterBreak?Let'shearwhatYukigotuptofromthemanhimself
I spent most of it with my friends, which was really nice. I got to reconnect with friends from junior high, even kindergarten, and also with some racing friends. Some of these racing friends I’ve known since I was six or seven years old, so they’re like brothers to me. I also caught up with a few people I don’t usually see, so it was a long-overdue reunion, and it felt great!
We mostly hung out and, to be honest, drank…a lot. It was nice, though! Of course, I also squeezed in some training here and there. On Christmas Day, I spent time with my friends, and we went to Nagano. There was some snow, which made for a fun experience.
Winter Diary pt.4© Insta @yukitsunoda0511
There’s a cultural difference between Europe and Japan when it comes to Christmas. In Japan, Christmas is more about spending time with your partner or friends, while New Year’s Day is more for family. So, I spent January 1st with my cousins and family, following some traditional customs, including a New Year’s brunch.
Overall, it was a really good break. I was pretty much flat out every day and didn’t have much time for myself, but it was absolutely worth it. It was busy and exhausting, but also very fulfilling.
Winter Diary pt.9© Insta @yukitsunoda0511
Later on, I went to Dubai for two weeks of proper training. Every single day was packed, no rest at all, but it was really productive. I can already feel the changes in my body, and I hit a lot of personal bests, which is encouraging. I’m feeling very prepared for the new season, though I’ll keep training until the first race.
It was definitely a memorable winter break for 2024–25. Oh, and what did I eat? Everything! Especially ramen.