Despite ‘winning’ bet, Formula E boss gives charity US$250k after Max Verstappen wins title

Jeff Dodds had bet the donation as he felt the Red Bull driver was a certain winner; the Dutchman says he will watch Formula E when he can

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Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates with a trophy on the podium after winning the Qatar Grand Prix in early December to clinch the title. Photo: Reuters

Published: 12:00am, 13 Dec 2024Updated: 12:24am, 13 Dec 2024

Max Verstappen has assured Formula E he will be watching their races after the electric series donated US$250,000 to charity following a bet on the Red Bull driver’s fourth successive Formula One title.

Formula E chief executive Jeff Dodds promised in February to pay the sum should Verstappen fail to win the title, a wager made to highlight how predictable he felt Formula One was compared with his series.

However, Dodds decided to donate the money anyway after Verstappen won, but in a far more competitive and thrilling season than predicted.

The cash will be split equally between Red Bull’s Wings for Life foundation for spinal cord research and a new fund to provide greater opportunities for women in motorsport.

“What started as a very tongue-in-cheek ‘bet’ at the start of the season has evolved into a serious commitment to support gender equity within our championship, with the ultimate goal of seeing women competing full-time in Formula E,” said Dodds.

Former F1 driver David Coulthard co-founded More Than Equal to look at barriers to women in the sport. Photo: AFP

Verstappen, who collects his F1 winner’s trophy at a gala awards ceremony in Rwanda on Friday, told Dodds in a video call that it was a “great shout” and “I’ll be watching the championship during my time off.”