F1 drivers squeeze in tradition before Abu Dhabi epic

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On the eve of Formula 1’s thrilling 2025 title decider in Abu Dhabi, the entire grid – minus a few absentees – hit pause on the rising tension to gather for their traditional end-of-season dinner and class photo at Yas Marina on Thursday night.

With a title fight looming and pressure building by the hour, the drivers gladly traded tyre data for table chatter, proving that even when a championship is on the line, the drivers’ peculiar brand of brotherhood still trumps rivalry… at least until Sunday.

Judging by the sea of bright tops, there might have been a “white shirt” dress code floating around – but if so, not everyone got the memo, or perhaps a few forgot to check their group chat on WhatsApp.

Missing from the frame were Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll – presumably whisked away to a glossy sponsor event – and Sauber’s Nico Hülkenberg.

As the pressure gauge redlines toward Sunday’s winner-takes-all finale, moments like these remind us why we fell in love with this circus in the first place: twenty drivers who’ll fight tooth-and-nail on track, but who can still laugh, toast, and squeeze into a photo op when it matters. Roll on lights out.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.