Reasons for Hulkenberg's absence from Hamilton's driver dinner.

      Lewis Hamilton invited all 19 of his fellow Formula 1 drivers to a dinner in Abu Dhabi at the end of the season on Thursday, but three did not attend: Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, and Nico Hulkenberg. Hamilton shared a group photo on social media, expressing admiration for the respect and camaraderie among the drivers. "Class of 2025," he wrote. "We’re the only ones in the world doing what we do, and we’re incredibly fortunate for that. I’m thankful for this group of drivers that I have the privilege to race against, and although we are competitors, there’s nothing but respect, and I’m proud to call them friends."

      However, keen-eyed fans quickly observed that Hulkenberg, who is well-regarded in the paddock for his dry wit and punctuality, was absent. As reported by Bild, the Sauber driver intentionally missed the dinner for a reason familiar to those who have followed F1 for many years. Rather than joining the current grid for dinner, Hulkenberg went to a private farewell gathering for the esteemed German journalist Michael Schmidt, which took place on the rooftop terrace of the Mercedes motorhome. Schmidt has been covering Formula 1 for Auto Motor und Sport since 1987 and is retiring after 45 years in the paddock.

      Hulkenberg has known Schmidt throughout his entire career, and Bild mentions that the German felt it was essential to attend the send-off for someone who documented every chapter of his racing journey. The reasons for Alonso and Stroll’s absence from the dinner remain unknown.