The annual Max Verstappen F1 driver dinner took place in Abu Dhabi, bringing together 17 of the 20 current drivers for an exclusive evening away from the pressures of the racetrack. Notably absent were Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, and Nico Hulkenberg, while the rest attended what has become a close-knit tradition among Formula 1 competitors.
Participants shared a group photo on social media, highlighting the rare unity among these elite athletes. Lewis Hamilton expressed appreciation for the camaraderie, stating,
“We’re the only people in the world to 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 competitors, there’s nothing but respect and I’m proud to call them friends.”
Hope to give you all a great last race of the season.
Hamilton, Formula 1 driver
The gathering focused as much on their shared experiences as it did on humorous moments, further solidified by the emerging question of the night: who would settle the bill?
Debate and Tradition: Who Pays at the F1 Dinner?
Traditionally, the final dinner of the racing season has an unspoken rule about who should foot the bill. In previous years, this duty sometimes fell to the reigning World Champion, other times it was decided on a split basis, and last year, Valtteri Bottas paid as part of his “farewell” to the grid. This time, the drivers jokingly targeted Max Verstappen, as he continued to defend his World Champion status.
Reflecting on previous dinners, Verstappen noted the expectation placed on him for this year’s event.
“Well, last year was very nice of Valtteri,”
he shared on the Talking Bulls podcast.
“Actually, he took the bill, yeah, so then, well, the drivers are joking a little bit like, ‘This year it’s Max’s turn’. I was like, ‘Yeah, sure’.”
Despite the light-hearted taunting, Verstappen remained in good spirits, ready to pay when the moment arrived. The tension around the bill reached its peak toward the end of the night.
But I was sitting on the opposite side of the entrance of the private room. Yeah, so for, like, most of the night, you know, you’re having a laugh, and then suddenly, okay, so many people are wanting to go, and then we realised that Pierre already paid for the dinner.
Max Verstappen, Formula 1 driver
Pierre Gasly Steps In with a Surprise Move
As Verstappen enjoyed his gin and tonic, the table assumed he would be the one to pay, but Alpine’s Pierre Gasly discreetly took responsibility for the expenses before anyone else noticed. Verstappen joked about the timing, saying,
“I was drinking my gin and tonic on the other side,”
and acknowledged that,
“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.”
Responding to suggestions that he might take a frugal approach next year, Verstappen maintained his generosity, explaining that he does not shy away from such gestures. Rather, he simply missed his opportunity this time, with Gasly beating him to it.
“But I’m sure that we have another dinner next year,”
Verstappen added with a laugh.
But I’m sure that we have another dinner next year.
Max Verstappen, Formula 1 driver
Pierre Gasly later verified on Alpine’s social channels that he alone had paid for the meal. When asked how expensive the affair was, he answered simply, “Expensive,” and confirmed his act with a short, “Yes.”
What This Tradition Reveals About the F1 Community
The Max Verstappen F1 driver dinner is not just a social event but a testament to the unusual bond among drivers who usually compete fiercely on the circuit. While on-track they battle as rivals, events like this foster respect and even friendship.
Nico Rosberg, a past World Champion, once advocated splitting the check among all present, showing how the runners-up and champions alike participate in these shared moments. References to previous dinners, the evolution of unwritten rules, and jokes about “bathroom maneuvers” when the bill appears, all add to the light-hearted, if competitive, atmosphere that lingers after the season ends.
As speculation turns to the next gathering, it remains to be seen who will take on the responsibility of settling the bill or if Verstappen will finally get his chance to be host. These end-of-season dinners continue to humanize the sport’s stars and remind fans that beneath the competitive glare, mutual appreciation and humor still have a place among the best in the world.
