Max Verstappen has stirred controversy with his recent comments regarding potential F1 rule-breaking by rival teams during the 2024 season.
In a candid interview, the reigning four-time Formula 1 World Champion expressed his belief that certain teams may have exploited technical loopholes, thereby gaining an unfair advantage over Red Bull Racing.
Verstappen’s F1 rule-breaking claims comes in the wake of a season where Red Bull’s dominance was challenged, particularly in the latter half when rivals like McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes began to secure victories.
Verstappen’s remarks highlight a growing frustration within the Red Bull camp as they navigated a significant performance dip. After a commanding start to the season, where the Dutchman and his teammate Sergio Perez consistently topped the podiums, the team faced unexpected challenges that allowed their rivals to catch up.
“There were things that happened in the background, which meant that we had no chance at all in certain races,” Verstappen told De Telegraaf. “I know that for sure, but no one will ever admit that.”
The Dutch driver’s comments come against a backdrop of technical scrutiny within Formula 1. Throughout the 2024 season, there were numerous discussions about the legality of various aerodynamic features employed by competing teams.
Notably, a technical directive was issued at the Belgian Grand Prix aimed at monitoring wing flexing more closely. This directive was prompted by concerns that some teams were manipulating their front wings to gain additional downforce, which could be potentially deemed as F1 rule-breaking.
One specific incident that raised eyebrows involved McLaren’s so-called “mini DRS” flexible rear wing during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This innovation appeared to allow for improved aerodynamic performance at high speeds but was ultimately deemed compliant with regulations.
Nevertheless, such developments have led to tighter regulations for the upcoming 2025 F1 season to prevent any future exploitation of similar systems.
Verstappen’s suspicions extend beyond mere aerodynamic tweaks; he has hinted at more egregious F1 rule breaking. Reports surfaced regarding allegations that some teams might have employed water cooling systems within their tires—an action that would constitute a blatant breach of technical regulations.
While no team has been officially found guilty of such practices, Verstappen’s doubts reflect a wider sentiment within Red Bull that not all rivals are playing by the same rules.
The impact of the alleged F1 rule-breaking on Red Bull’s performance cannot be understated. The team’s struggles were particularly evident during pivotal races such as the Italian Grand Prix, where Verstappen finished sixth—far from his usual podium finishes.
He recounted how data analysis revealed significant aerodynamic shifts in their car’s performance compared to previous seasons. This realization prompted an urgent need for Red Bull to reassess their development strategy mid-season.
“I saw some graphs at one point when we were looking at the data,” the Dutchman said. “I saw certain aerodynamic shifts in how we entered the corners, turned in and also in terms of ride heights.
“Different from the car from the year before I said: ‘Hey, it’s very clear that this and this is the problem, isn’t it?’ And that was right, I heard. I had not seen those lines, those graphs, before.
“I said then that it was clear what we had to work on, because of course the engineers know exactly what had been changed compared to the car from last year.
“And at the beginning of the season, we were still winning our races convincingly, but I already felt that the balance of the car didn’t feel the way I wanted it to. But then we still had a big lead over other teams, who maybe hadn’t had a very good winter.”
As Verstappen prepares for the 2025 F1 season, he acknowledges that improvements are essential if he hopes to secure a fifth consecutive championship title. He commented on the need for better handling over curbs and bumps and improved performance in slow corners—areas where Red Bull has historically struggled.
“If we continue like this, I will not be champion next year,” he added. “It is that simple. We really have to make steps to be competitive next season. We all know that.
“I trust that the team can fix the balance problems of last season. And certain things that we could not change last year will be changed for next year.
“We know that it has to be better over the kerbs, bumps and in the slow corners. Those are generally our weak points. If we are still beaten, it will be on the basis of pure speed.”
