Lewis Hamilton’s Generous Gesture at F1 End-of-Season Dinner Highlights Max Verstappen’s Absence
In a surprising twist at the F1 end-of-season dinner in Abu Dhabi, Max Verstappen’s absence was a notable deviation from a long-standing tradition. Lewis Hamilton, demonstrating commendable generosity, stepped in to cover the costs for his fellow drivers.
Key Takeaways:
- Verstappen’s Absence: Max Verstappen, the current F1 World Champion, broke with an informal tradition by not showing up at the traditional post-season driver’s meal, where he was expected to pay for everyone’s dinner.
- Driver Attendance at the Dinner: Eleven out of twenty grid drivers were present at the Hakkasan restaurant in Abu Dhabi, including notable names like Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and George Russell.
- Hamilton’s Generosity: Despite Verstappen’s absence, Lewis Hamilton organized and paid for the meal, accommodating various dietary requirements, including his own vegan diet.
Max Verstappen, the reigning World Champion, was notably absent from the post-season driver’s dinner in Abu Dhabi, an event that has become a cherished tradition among F1 drivers. This dinner typically sees the World Champion, in a gesture of camaraderie, paying the bill for the evening. However, this year’s dinner deviated from this unspoken rule with Verstappen’s unexpected absence.
Nico Rosberg, the 2016 World Champion, once revealed the tradition on social media, stating, “The hidden agreement usually is that the world champion pays.” This informal agreement has been a subtle yet significant part of F1’s end-of-season celebrations, adding a layer of sportsmanship and mutual respect off the track.
This year, the dinner saw attendance from half the grid, with eleven drivers, including stars like Zhou Guanyu, Valtteri Bottas, and Yuki Tsunoda, gathering at the Hakkasan restaurant. Despite not being in the limelight as World Champion this season, Lewis Hamilton showcased his class and sportsmanship. In a generous move, Hamilton stepped up to organize and pay for the dinner, a gesture well-received within the F1 community and beyond.
Hamilton’s action not only reflects his stature as a sportsman but also his commitment to the F1 family. His willingness to include various dietary requirements, respecting his and others’ preferences, speaks volumes about his character. This incident, while highlighting Hamilton’s generosity, also raises questions about Verstappen’s decision to skip the dinner. His absence, especially as the reigning champion and the expected host, was a significant talking point among fans and insiders.
In conclusion, while Verstappen’s absence was a departure from tradition, it provided an opportunity for Lewis Hamilton to demonstrate leadership and fellowship, reinforcing the close-knit nature of the Formula 1 community. This year’s end-of-season dinner in Abu Dhabi will be remembered not just for who was absent, but for the unexpected generosity and the spirit of unity shown by those who were present.
