In the high-octane world of Formula 1, where rivalries reign supreme on the asphalt, it’s refreshing to see camaraderie off the track—especially when it comes to the annual dinner that the 20 drivers share ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi. This tradition, however, comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when the dinner bill arrives.
Recently, the spotlight turned to Max Verstappen, the formidable four-time world champion, who found himself in a rather unexpected position during this year’s dinner. Instead of stepping up to cover the hefty bill, it was his former Red Bull teammate, Pierre Gasly, who graciously took on the responsibility. What prompted this surprising turn of events?
Verstappen recounted the humorous moments leading up to the dinner on the latest episode of the Talking Bull podcast. “Last year, Valtteri [Bottas] was very nice. He paid the bill. The drivers then made some jokes, ‘This year it’s Max’s turn,'” he shared candidly. The expectation was set, but as the evening unfolded with laughter and camaraderie, Verstappen found himself seated away from the entrance of the private dining room. As the night wore on, and plans to leave were made, it became apparent that Gasly had already settled the check.
When teased about whether he had strategically excused himself to avoid the bill, Verstappen chuckled, saying, “No. I drank my gin and tonics on the other side.” He humorously reflected on his approach for future gatherings, suggesting, “Next time, before I come in, I should say, ‘I’ll pay the bill at the end of the evening,’ so I can finally actually pay.”
The question then arose: if he were given the opportunity to pay, would he opt for a frugal selection of tap water and a simple meal? Verstappen was quick to dismiss that notion, asserting, “No, normally I’m very generous with this kind of thing. I just haven’t been able to pay yet. But I’m sure we’ll eat again next year, so I’ll get there eventually.”
In a light-hearted discussion about the logistics of splitting the bill, Verstappen recounted a past experience where a group of drivers pooled their credit cards. “That looks a little bad, so it’s better if one person commits to it. And you don’t make a rookie pay, as a matter of course. That’s pretty obvious. I think it always starts with the more experienced drivers,” he remarked, underscoring the unwritten rules that govern these off-track interactions.
As the season progresses and the drivers continue to engage in fierce competition, it’s these moments of levity and shared experiences that remind fans of the human side of these elite athletes. With Gasly’s unexpected generosity and Verstappen’s playful banter, the world of F1 proves to be not just about speed and rivalry, but also about friendship and the occasional shared laugh over a dinner table.
