We all appreciate a good tradition, especially when it involves fast cars and even faster chopsticks. Every year, just before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix kicks off, the Formula 1 group gets together for a calm, feel-good evening. And this year, they didn’t miss it. This time, the F1 crew gathered at Zuma Abu Dhabi for their annual dinner to toast to a season and the good moments enjoyed.
Inside the F1 Drivers’ Annual Abu Dhabi Dinner
Zuma sits pretty at The Galleria Al Maryah Island and has long been one of Abu Dhabi’s crown-jewel dining spots. Everyone in the UAE knows its modern Izakaya style hits the sweet spot between cool and classy. So it’s no surprise that the drivers chose it as their unofficial dinner spot.
The feast took place on December 4, 2025, just hours before engines started screaming around Yas Marina Circuit. And, sticking to tradition, the man behind the get-together was none other than seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton. He even shared a photo of the night, along with a caption that made every F1 fan go dreamy-eyed.
Good Food, Big Smiles, And One Last Calm Before The Storm
The caption on Lewis Hamilton’s Instagram post read: “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… even though we’re competitors, there’s nothing but respect. Hope to give you all a great last race of the season.”
Now, here’s what we can actually see in the photo: a couple of desserts, lots of laughs and, of course, an entire lineup of drivers who look relaxed for the first time all season. Not everyone made it, though. Aston Martin drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso were missing, and Nico Hülkenberg of Sauber wasn’t spotted either.
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Who’s In The Picture?
The rest of the grid?
Top row: Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, Lando Norris, George Russell, Oscar Piastri, Gabriel Bortoleto, Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Yuki Tsunoda and Charles Leclerc.
Bottom row: Kimi Antonelli, Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar, Oliver Bearman and Franco Colapinto.
The photo is proof of a final calm moment before they dive into a title fight featuring three contenders.
Cover Image Courtesy: Lewis Hamilton/Instagram
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