Max Verstappen isn’t holding back about Red Bull Racing’s tough 2024 season, suggesting some rivals might have bent the rules to gain an edge.
The three-time world champion’s RB20 car wasn’t the dominant force fans expected. That’s quite a change from 2023, when Red Bull seemed unstoppable.
“Things happened in the background that meant we had no chance at all in certain races,” Verstappen told De Telegraaf. “I know that for sure, but nobody will ever admit that.”
He’s got some specific concerns in mind. McLaren’s flexible rear wing caught everyone’s attention when Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were briefly allowed to use it – until the FIA stepped in.
There were also whispers about teams getting creative with tire management.
It’s worth noting that pushing boundaries is nothing new in F1. Teams are always looking for clever ways to work within – or sometimes around – the rules. McLaren actually got the green light from F1’s governing body, the FIA, for some of their innovations.
But there might be more scrutiny coming. Nikolas Tombazis, who oversees F1’s single-seater technical matters, has already hinted they’ll take a closer look at some of these grey areas for 2025.
For a sport that’s all about finding every possible advantage, the line between innovation and rule-breaking can get pretty blurry.
