January and February are always a tough time for a Formula 1 mechanic. The Christmas holidays draw to a close after just long enough to remind you what life used to be like in the real world, with friends, family and not living from an open suitcase in the corner of a hotel room.
Much as we all love our jobs, the rare opportunity to synchronise time off with loved ones, and have free choice over what to wear, means the dreaded back-to-school feeling often sets in as the first days of January approach.
Those first few days back can often be a little tedious for the race team, depending on how close the factory is to its intended production schedule. If the parts aren't made, we can't do much.