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The typical dinner for drivers in Abu Dhabi marked the end of the 2025 Formula 1 season which is convened to get the main riders of the field together for a final and official gathering. A group photo displaying 19 casually dressed drivers set the world audience in motion to have talk and share jokes immediately, with the presence of some and the positions of others being the most focused issues.
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It was the same again, just like the flag showing the race’s end. One more season is over, and the fastest drivers in the world have worn comfortable clothes and nice shirts instead of fireproof suits; thus, the end-of-season gathering in Abu Dhabi was the subject of a photo once again that acted as a psychological test for the fans, wherein Everyone saw something different. The picture, titled ‘One big F1 family,’ shows a line up of famous celebrities—from a smiling Max Verstappen to a chuckling Lewis Hamilton. Meanwhile, in the F1 world, a family photo is never just a photo; it is always a matter of discussion, a puzzle to be solved, and a source of endless jokes.
The very first comments on the net were not about the drivers’ camaraderie but rather who was missing from the photo. Two experienced names were noted as being absent: Fernando Alonso and Nico Hulkenberg. Their absence was stated quite clearly. ‘Where are El PADRE and Nico?’ the question was put rather provocatively with a reference to the nickname that is commonly used for Alonso. Another person who commented, joked the reason for the ‘powerful’ Spaniard’s absence like this: ‘He’s going to be a father soon; he has more to spend so he works at Uber during nighttime.’ The humor, however, hinted at the legendary working hours of the 42-year-old and the fun side of his character that he has built.
Lance Stroll was another driver who was not present. ‘Stroll’s absence didn’t bother anyone at all,’ a viewer commented, which indicates the small profile that the Canadian racer has in comparison to the rest of the drivers. However, the drivers’ arrangement for the photo became a topic of speculation and discussion. George Russell was positioned between two McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. ‘George splitting the McLarens. Lets hope this is prophetic for the weekend,’ a hopeful observer said, proposing that the Mercedes driver might disrupt the papaya team’s strong form in the forthcoming race.
Moreover, the photo allowed for the sport’s reigning champion to be lightly ridiculed. A playful comment was made: ‘Closest Lewis has got to Max in years,’ referring to the image showing Verstappen sitting and Hamilton standing right behind him. It was a funny, albeit painful, reminder of the competitive gap that has marked the recent era. However, on a lighter note, the newcomers in the group were warmly admitted. The lovely smile of rookie Franco Colapinto was the one to steal the most limelight. ‘The sun, the stars, and the smile of Colapinto,’ one admirer wrote with heart emojis.
The discussions and the comments did not stop Lewis Hamilton, who has often paid for the dinner in the past, practiced languidly. ‘Pretty cool that they do this,’ one comment simply stated, thus cutting through the noise and acknowledging how close this high-pressure profession can sometimes make people. Esteban Ocon seemed to substantiate the continuity of the tradition with his post ‘Traditions 👌🏼 thanks again @LewisHamilton!’ in a separate message.
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Ultimately, the annual dinner photo does not merely serve the purpose of corporate documentation. It is a cultural celebration for the F1 community. It does not put the season’s heroes in the position of divine idols, but as a group of co-workers—partly friends, partly foes—having a meal after a long battle. It is a sign of the spectators’ passionate commitment to the dialogues that this season photograph sparks, ranging from humorous to interpretive. When the race cars are parked in the garage and the engines are off, the image is already the first unofficial page of the offseason storytelling, a reminder that the drama does not cease even when the cars are in the garage. The saga of 2025 has come to a close; however, the debate continues to be very much alive, a sentiment echoed in a recent magazine feature. His season, which included a devastating last place grid position, was still marked by personal milestones like celebrating three years of honorary Brazilian citizenship.
