F1 'Class of 2025' Dinner: Absentees and the Enduring Mystery of the Bill
F1 drivers held their annual end-of-season dinner, dubbed 'Class of 2025', with notable absentees including Alonso, Hulkenberg, and Stroll. The event, marked by social media posts from Hamilton, Norris, and Russell, continued the tradition of camaraderie. A recurring mystery is who pays the bill; past discussions include reigning champions covering it, and Valtteri Bottas famously paid the €5,000 tab last year. This annual gathering underscores the unique bond among F1 competitors despite their intense on-track rivalries.
Formula 1 drivers recently gathered for their traditional end-of-season dinner, a customary event where track rivalries are set aside for camaraderie. However, notable absentees included Fernando Alonso, Nico Hulkenberg, and Lance Stroll, sparking discussion among fans and within the paddock.
Why it matters:
The annual dinner provides a rare glimpse into the personal relationships among F1's elite competitors, showcasing their shared experience beyond the intense competition. The tradition of the dinner, along with the persistent mystery of who pays the bill, adds a unique human element to the high-stakes world of Formula 1, fostering a sense of community among the drivers.
The Details:
- Gathering of the 'Class of 2025': The dinner, dubbed 'Class of 2025' by Lewis Hamilton on Instagram, saw 17 of the 20 F1 drivers reunite in Abu Dhabi. Hamilton emphasized the unique bond: "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."
- Social Media Buzz: Lando Norris quipped, "traditions (no food was thrown during this dinner)" while George Russell called it the "yearly dinner with the boys." Yuki Tsunoda joked about a "white shirt dress code, not all of us got the memo."
- The Enduring Bill Mystery: Speculation about who picks up the check is a recurring theme. In 2016, then-reigning World Champion Nico Rosberg reportedly suggested an 18-way split, which Lewis Hamilton found "a little bit silly and ridiculous," believing the reigning champion should cover it.
- Rosberg's perspective: "From what I can remember... the hidden agreement is usually that the world champion pays, but that might just be my opinion."
- Bottas's Generosity: Last year, Valtteri Bottas, despite facing unemployment in F1 for 2025 at the time, covered the entire bill, which amounted to approximately 20,000 dirhams (just over €5,000). He confirmed, "it was my pleasure."
- Lingering Drama: Beyond the bill, last year's dinner photo notably highlighted perceived tension between Max Verstappen and George Russell, with claims Russell even moved his chair to avoid sitting directly next to Verstappen.
The big picture:
These dinners serve as a powerful reminder that despite the fierce rivalries on track, a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect often prevails among the drivers. They share an unparalleled experience that few others can understand, creating a unique bond that transcends team colors and championship battles. This tradition humanizes the sport, offering fans a glimpse behind the helmets and into the personal dynamics of their heroes.
What's next:
The 'Class of 2025' dinner continues a cherished F1 tradition, reinforcing the unique fraternity among the drivers. As the F1 season concludes, this event highlights the blend of competition and community that defines the sport. Future dinners will undoubtedly continue to generate buzz, not just for the attendance but for the perennial question of who, in the end, settles the tab.