Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has maintained a touching festive tradition, sending annual Christmas presents to the children of his former Mercedes teammate and fierce rival, Nico Rosberg. This gesture persists despite the well-documented personal rift that ended their friendship during their intense championship battles.
A Rivalry Forged in Fire
The relationship between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg is one of the most storied in modern F1 history. Childhood friends from their karting days, their bond shattered under the pressure of competing for the World Championship while driving for the dominant Mercedes team. The German driver's shock retirement in 2016, immediately after securing his sole title, did little to repair the fractured friendship.
"It happened immediately when we were fighting for the World Championship, not before," Hamilton explained in a past interview with Eurosport. He described the inevitable tension, stating, "When you're fighting for success in every race and for titles, it doesn't work anymore... You have to test limits and go into grey areas to win."
Christmas on the Doorstep
Despite the enduring enmity, Hamilton's festive spirit shines through. Every Christmas, a box of gifts arrives for Rosberg's two daughters, who are both ardent fans of the British racing icon. The tradition was confirmed by Rosberg's wife, Vivian, during an appearance on the German NDR Talkshow.
"Yes, he always gives them Barbies for Christmas," Vivian revealed. When the show's host pointed out this was a "weak point" for the 2016 champion, Rosberg humorously agreed: "That's true too. That's even more than a weak point. That's a big problem."
Rosberg, however, was quick to acknowledge the kindness behind the act. "No, that's great. That's nice of him," he said. "We kind of had an enmity. Now both children have a huge box of presents from him on their doorstep every Christmas. It's a nice approach."
An Unopened Door
The generous annual delivery, however, does not come with an invitation inside the Rosberg family home. The former F1 star quipped about the boundaries of their current relationship, noting, "He has to stay outside the door, but he's welcome to leave the presents."
This complex dynamic continues to fascinate the F1 world. While Rosberg has often been publicly supportive of Hamilton's driving talent in recent years, their one-on-one interactions, such as interviews for Sky Sports F1, have frequently appeared strained. The underlying tension surfaced again at the 2025 season finale in Abu Dhabi, where Rosberg offered critical commentary on Hamilton's challenging debut season with Ferrari, a year in which the Briton failed to secure a single podium finish.
The story of Hamilton's Christmas gifts underscores a poignant human element within the high-stakes, high-pressure world of elite motorsport. It reveals a layer of respect and enduring connection that survives even the most bitter of professional rivalries, delivered annually in a box left on a doorstep.
