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
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.
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.”