SEVENTEEN Formula One drivers fuelled themselves at a final pit stop before the season’s last race on Sunday.
2025 will come to a dramatic conclusion in Abu Dhabi with a three-way fight between Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri for the title.
The trio are all vying to be crowned world champion but put on-track rivalry behind them for an evening as they dined together in a friendly tradition.
Organised by Lewis Hamilton, the end-of-season celebration meal has been going on for four years.
Hamilton even paid the full bill in 2022, when all 20 drivers were in attendance.
But appear to have been missing this time, with no sign of Nico Hulkenberg, Lance Stroll or Fernando Alonso in the group photo as the drivers dined out at The Galleria Al Maryah Island.
The Japanese restaurant is one of the most popular and Hamilton posted online as everyone posed in good spirits.
The seven-time world champion, who has had a horror year at Ferrari, wrote on Instagram: “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 last race of the season.”
Several competitors also uploaded the photo with George Russel writing: “Yearly dinner with the boys”.’
Estaban Ocon said: “Traditions [okay gesture emoji] thanks again @LewisHamilton!”
The picture threw up some surprises with Hamilton and Max Verstappen, previously bitter rivals right at the top of the Drivers’ Championship, stood next to each other.
While all three of the title hopefuls were in the top row, with Norris and Piastri only separated by George Russell.
Everyone is smiling with plenty of arms around shoulders for the snap, although it’s not clear who sat with who around the table.
Wine glasses (but more cups full of water) can be seen as well.
Norris leads the way and is a major reason why McLaren have dominated the Constructors’ Championship this year.
Verstappen, Red Bull, overtook Piastri, also McLaren, in Qatar with his seventh race win.
It leaves him 12 points behind Norris but with each of the top three on the same number of race wins.
Piastri is 16 behind his teammate and has 15 podium finishes compared to Verstappen’s 14 and Norris’ 17.
It means that Norris must finish at least third to become the champ if Verstappen wins in Yas Marina.
For one night this week, as all the drivers arrive, they have permission to forget it and celebrate regardless of the weekend’s outcome.
