Guess who picked up the bill at this season’s F1 drivers’ dinner

If there is one battle Formula 1 drivers can finally relax about, it is deciding who pays the bill at the end-of-season dinner.

This year, even that came with a twist. As tradition dictates, the grid put rivalries on pause ahead of the Abu Dhabi finale, with 17 of the 20 drivers squeezing around one table for the annual end-of-year get-together.

No lap times, no strategy calls — just good food, shared laughs and the inevitable question everyone pretends not to care about: who is picking up the cheque?

For much of the evening, the finger was firmly pointed at Max Verstappen. As the reigning world champion on the night, the drivers jokingly agreed it was his turn.

Verstappen, to his credit, did not protest. In fact, he appeared ready for it — mentally at least — while enjoying a relaxed evening on the opposite side of the private room, gin and tonic in hand.

But while Verstappen was busy chatting and sipping away, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly quietly played the ultimate undercut.

By the time the evening began to wind down and drivers started filtering out, the table realised the bill had already been taken care of. Gasly had paid. Game over.

Verstappen later laughed about the moment, admitting he simply did not see it coming. One minute everyone was joking about him footing the bill, the next it was done.

No dramatic wallet reach, no theatrical arguments over who insists on paying — just Gasly settling it before anyone else had the chance.

It continues a surprisingly varied history for the F1 drivers’ dinner. Nico Rosberg once suggested splitting the bill multiple ways, Valtteri Bottas famously paid in 2024 as a farewell gesture, and this time Gasly quietly stole the show.

Verstappen insists there was no ducking and diving involved, no convenient bathroom break — just unfortunate seating and excellent timing from his fellow driver.

The Red Bull star even joked that next time he will announce his intentions at the door, just to make sure he finally gets a turn.

And no, it will not be tap water and a set menu either. Verstappen promised he is normally generous — he just has not managed to prove it yet.

So while Verstappen may dominate Sundays, this round belonged to Gasly. In a paddock full of egos and elite competitors, the season’s final victory went to the man who paid before anyone noticed.