Huge F1 drivers’ dinner bill revealed – and who paid

The 2024 F1 grid came together for a meal ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with outgoing driver Valtteri Bottas picking up the eye-watering tab.

The 35-year-old was unable to secure a race seat for next season and will leave Stake following the round at the Yas Marina Circuit.

However, that did not put him off stumping up during the end-of-year festivities, paying the bill for his himself and his peers.

The Finn confirmed it was around 20,000 Dirham, the local currency in the United Arab Emirates. When exchanged, that equates to roughly £4,272 – or $5,445, or €5,152.

Bottas will line up for what is potentially his final F1 race in ninth after putting together an impressive qualifying hour, something he feels allowed the meal expense to pay for itself.

“I think it was worth it,” he told media including RacingNews365. “In Q1 I got some nice tows from some people on the back straight, so I think it was definitely worth it.”

When asked about the meal itself, he replied: “It’s a nice tradition. Everyone is so busy always doing their own thing. At least once a year, [we] get together and have a laugh. I really enjoyed it.”

In pursuit of points

With 23 rounds run, Bottas remains rooted to the bottom of the drivers’ standings with zero points. Despite competing in every grand prix, he is behind Logan Sargeant on back finish count back. Therefore, the aim for his final race with Stake is clear.

“Now, the only goal is to finish in the points, and if the saying is true, you’re only as good as your last race. Hopefully it’s a good one,” the 10-time grand prix winner mused.

“[I] really haven’t had that many good races this year, and especially like a visible results and physical points, there’s none.

“[It] would be nice to have a good one, and we’re in a good place, and I think our car really is competitive to fight with the cars around.”

Whilst he does believe his Stake’s new-found pace has merit, Bottas did concede he may need some good fortune to score points.

“The fact is there’s some cars out of outer position, like Charles [Leclerc] and some other cars,” he added. “So hopefully Lady Luck will be on our side.”