A relaxed atmosphere and plenty of smiles at the annual gathering in Abu Dhabi. Hamilton: “Here’s the Class of 2025. We’re the only people in the world who do what we do, and that’s why we’re incredibly lucky.”

As has become tradition, this year as well, at the end of the season’s final Thursday on the track, the Formula 1 drivers gathered in Abu Dhabi to celebrate the end of the championship together with a group dinner. Of the twenty regular drivers in the top series, only three were absent: the two Aston Martin drivers, Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, and Sauber driver Nico Hülkenberg. Lewis Hamilton was the first to share the photo, accompanying the image of the drivers—hugging and smiling—with a lengthy message: “Here’s the Class of 2025. We’re the only people in the world who 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 rivals, there’s nothing but respect between us, and I’m proud to call them friends. We hope to give you a great final race of the season.”

comments—  The image was then shared by the other drivers as well, each with a different message: “It’s nice to get together again,” wrote Leclerc, “and to be able to spend some time together off the track,” while Esteban Ocon made a point of thanking Lewis Hamilton for the dinner, as Hamilton takes great care in organizing the event every year. Bortoleto, on the other hand, noted that the dinner was full of “good laughs and great stories,” and Lando Norris took a lighthearted approach, pointing out that “no food was thrown during dinner.” Starting tomorrow, however, it’s back to the track for the season’s final round, where the drivers will once again be rivals.