Verstappen Reveals Gasly Picked Up Tab at 2025 F1 Drivers' Dinner

Max Verstappen missed his chance to pay for the traditional end-of-season F1 drivers' dinner in Abu Dhabi, with Pierre Gasly unexpectedly settling the bill. The Red Bull driver explained the mix-up on a podcast, noting it was his turn to cover the costs but his seating position and the evening's flow prevented him from doing so. He has vowed to be more proactive next year to fulfill what he sees as a duty for the more experienced drivers.

Why it matters:

The drivers' dinner is a long-standing tradition that offers a rare, relaxed setting for competitors to interact away from the intense pressures of the racetrack. The informal protocol around who pays—typically an experienced, established driver—highlights an unspoken camaraderie and hierarchy within the paddock that exists alongside the on-track rivalry.

The details:

• Verstappen stated on the Talking Bull podcast that it was understood to be his turn to pay for the 2025 gathering in Abu Dhabi.
• Seated far from the private room's entrance, he was caught off-guard as drivers began to leave, only to discover Gasly had already paid.
• The Dutchman joked about the situation, saying, "I was drinking my gin and tonic at the other time," and plans to announce his intention to pay upfront at future dinners.
• He emphasized his willingness to be generous, stating, "I just didn't get to pay yet, but I'm sure that we have another dinner next year."

Between the lines:

Verstappen's comments shed light on the informal etiquette that governs these private events. He expressed a clear dislike for the method of leaving payment to chance by putting all cards on the table, calling it "a bit of a poor look." Instead, he advocates for a single driver to commit, explicitly noting that a rookie should never be expected to foot the bill. This underscores a sense of responsibility among the sport's senior figures to foster team spirit and look after newer members, preserving a tradition that strengthens the unique bonds within the F1 community.

What's next:

Verstappen has already signaled his intent to secure the bill at the 2026 dinner. Beyond this light-hearted paddock story, he remains active in the off-season, recently completing a GT3 test in Estoril, Portugal, with Mercedes machinery as he prepares for his own team's racing commitments.