Max Verstappen has explained how he missed the opportunity to pay for the end-of-season Formula 1 drivers’ dinner in Abu Dhabi.

Speaking on the Talking Bull podcast, Verstappen said it had been joked among the drivers that it was his turn to cover the bill. He explained that he was seated on the opposite side of the private room’s entrance and was unaware that the dinner had already been paid for when people began to leave.

Verstappen said that Pierre Gasly had settled the bill before he had a chance to do so. He added that he would need to make his intention clear earlier next time. Verstappen also said he is usually generous in such situations and prefers that one experienced driver commits to paying, rather than using a random card selection.

Mercedes and Red Bull are set to benefit from an FIA-approved technical solution ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations.

The teams are reportedly using a method that increases the cylinder compression ratio, which sources claim could deliver a gain of up to 0.4 seconds per lap.

The power unit featuring this solution has already been homologated, with the FIA confirming it complies with the regulations as currently written. Ferrari, Honda and Audi are reported to be unhappy with the approach. Mercedes is said to have identified the solution first, with Red Bull Powertrains beginning to adopt it later.

The method is described as an exploitation of a regulatory loophole rather than a breach of the rules. The FIA has previously stated it may review the regulations or measurement methods in the future, but any changes would likely apply from 2027. For 2026, the solution remains legal.

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