Max Verstappen recently shed light on a comical twist during the much-anticipated Formula 1 driver dinner, where the atmosphere was charged with camaraderie and competitive spirit. As the reigning World Champion, Verstappen was prepared to take on the bill, a playful tradition within the F1 community that often sees the victor of the season foot the tab. However, much to his surprise, Pierre Gasly had already swooped in to cover the costs, leaving Verstappen with an empty wallet and a full glass.
In the luxurious setting of a restaurant in Abu Dhabi, the drivers congregated, momentarily setting aside their fierce rivalries to indulge in a night of laughter and reflection. The absence of Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, and Nico Hulkenberg didn’t diminish the spirit, as 17 of the sport’s elite gathered for an unforgettable evening. The event sparked social media buzz, with Lewis Hamilton posting a group photo on Instagram, captioning it “Class of 2025.” His words resonated with the unique bond shared among competitors: “We’re the only people in the world to do what we do and for that we’re incredibly lucky.”
As always, the burning question lingered—who would ultimately settle the bill? Past dinners have seen a variety of arrangements, from Nico Rosberg advocating for an equitable split among all drivers to Valtteri Bottas graciously picking up the tab the previous year. This time, amid light-hearted jests about it being Verstappen’s turn, he sat confidently, gin and tonic in hand, ready for the challenge.
However, as the evening progressed and others began to depart, it became clear that Gasly had already taken care of the dinner expenses. Verstappen recounted the light-hearted banter on the Talking Bulls podcast, recalling, “I was like, ‘Yeah, sure’. But I was sitting on the opposite side of the entrance of the private room. So for, like, most of the night, you’re having a laugh, and then we realised that Pierre already paid for the dinner.”
When teased about potentially using the classic “I need to use the restroom” maneuver to escape the bill, Verstappen took it all in stride. “I was drinking my gin and tonic on the other side,” he chuckled, contemplating his next move for future dinners. “I guess next time before I enter, I have to tell them that at the end of the night the bill is for me so that I can actually finally pay it.”
Despite the humorous turn of events, Verstappen reassured fans of his generosity, stating, “No, I’m normally very generous with these kind of things. So, yeah, I just didn’t get to pay yet.” Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about another opportunity to settle the score next year.
Gasly, on the other hand, confirmed his role in the evening’s expenses with a sly nod on Alpine’s social media, simply stating, “Expensive,” when asked about the dinner. His brief acknowledgment of footing the bill—“Yes”—added another layer of camaraderie to the evening’s revelry.
As the season wraps up, the off-track moments like these remind fans of the unique bonds formed within the high-octane world of Formula 1. Each dinner is not just a celebration of racing but a testament to the respect and friendships that transcend fierce competition. As the drivers look towards the future, the anticipation for next year’s dinner—and who will foot the bill—has already begun.
