Ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi this weekend, Formula 1 drivers continued their annual tradition of meeting for dinner before the last race of the campaign. This has been a tradition for drivers since 2022, having first been organised – and paid for – by Lewis Hamilton to celebrate Sebastian Vettel’s retirement.
However, the meal has now become a way for the grid to come together and celebrate all they have achieved over the last nine months. Fittingly, it was the seven-time world champion who took to social media to post the 2025 group photo taken at the dinner.
Hamilton shared the image, together with the following caption:
“Class of 2025. We’re the only people in the world to do what we do, and for that, we’re incredibly lucky. I’m grateful for this group of drivers I have the privilege of racing against, and even though we’re competitors, there’s nothing but respect, and I’m proud to call them friends. Hope to give you all a great race of the season.”
There Were Three Noticeable Absentees From the 2025 F1 End of Season Dinner
It didn’t take long, though, for eagled-eyed fans online to notice that not all of the 20 drivers who will compete in Sunday’s final race of the season were in attendance.
Nico Hülkenberg, Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso weren’t to be seen in the official group photo with the drivers shared across social media, although there has been no official reason for why the trio weren’t present. Aston Martin’s Stroll and Alonso weren’t at the previous meal in 2024, either.
The three men who are vying for the 2025 Drivers’ Championship were in attendance, though. McLaren’s Lando Norris is favourite to claim the crown and become the 11th driver from Britain to lift the trophy.
Lando holds a 12-point lead over his nearest rival in Max Verstappen, and knows that a podium finish will be enough for him to secure the title, even if the Dutchman wins the race. Norris’ McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri also has an outside chance of winning the championship, as he sits four points behind Verstappen in third in the standings.
Piastri needs both Norris and Verstappen to have a major off day in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, but if he can spring a surprise, he would become only the third Australian to win the championship after Sir Jack Brabham and Alan Jones.
In a season full of twists and turns, nothing can be ruled out as the F1 season heads for its most thrilling climax in years.
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