F1 mid-year break? It's L-plates for Max!

LONDON, England - While Formula 1 rivals head to the sea or mountains at the start of the racing season's August break young Max Verstappen has some driving lessons on the horizon.

Verstappen, the 17-year-old who finished fourth for Toro Rosso at the 2015 Hungarian GP, will have to wait for his 18th birthday in September before he can pass his road-licence test - but he can at least get in some tuition.

F1 DRIVER TO TAKE ON PUBLIC ROADS

Verstappen, the sport's youngest driver yet, said as the season reached the halfway point in Hungary: "I'm doing my lessons in the summer break. With the F1 schedule it has been difficult to fit in everything so I've had to wait for the break.

"You need a minimum six or seven hours driving under the law in Belgium, where I live, and I hope that's all I need. We'll see."

VIDEO: Nico Rosberg wraps 2015 Hungarian GP

The conversation between driving instructor and a pupil more used to driving at 300km/h and braking as late as possible can only be imagined.

HAMILTON PIGS OUT

World champion Lewis Hamilton, who had a nightmare in Hungary  but increased his lead over Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg to 21 points, was already enjoying his break.

He posted a picture of himself on Twitter tucking into a hearty al fresco breakfast.

He said: "It's officially summer break and the only day I can eat whatever I want. So that calls for pancakes and bacon."

KIMI'S FUTURE IN DOUBT

Ferrari team boss Maurizio Arrivabene is heading into the holiday fresh from celebrating Sebastian Vettel's win in Hungary  and with every intention of getting away from the office and relaxing.

There are important decisions to take, not least concerning Kimi Raikkonen's future (if that has not already been fixed) but driver moves can wait.

Arrivabene told reporters after the race at the Hungaroring: "Our goal now is to focus on the car. We have time to talk about the driver. During the summer break you are swimming, climbing... not deciding.

"Otherwise it's not a break."

MANOR REMEMBERS BIANCHI

For Manor Marussia, the enforced time off will allow the team to rest after a traumatic week of remembrance for Jules Bianchi, the team's former driver whose funeral was held earlier in July 2015 with many of the drivers present.

Chief executive Graeme Lowdon said: "The factory shutdown has come at a good time to give everybody time with their family and a little time to reflect and to remember the good times.

"It was a very, very difficult weekend."