Max Verstappen highlights F1 rule violations with a brief message to Christian Horner.
Max Verstappen highlights F1 rules violations in a 12-word message to Christian Horner.
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has accused Red Bull’s competitors of breaking the rules, even as the Dutchman retains his title this season.
The Red Bull star maintained his strong grip on the F1 throne but found himself under increasing pressure as rival teams outperformed Red Bull’s car in the latter half of the season. Never one to hold back, Verstappen has urged his own team to intensify their efforts or risk falling further behind by 2025.
This year, McLaren specifically gained an advantage from a faster strategy. Meanwhile, the head of the network is evidently worried about Red Bull losing its competitive edge. “There were developments within our foundation that meant we had no chance in certain races,” Verstappen said in a candid interview with De Telegraaf analyzing this season’s progress.
I’m certain of it beyond any doubt, yet no one will ever admit to that.” The 27-year-old stopped short of naming individuals or detailing precisely how the rules had supposedly been bent. McLaren came under scrutiny after the mid-season break due to a rear-wing design that flexed and helped improve downforce. This development was dubbed a ‘mini DRS’ by some, allowing Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to achieve significant speed gains. Reports later surfaced in November confirming that the British team was also implementing a new valve system for adding water to its rear tires—similar designs were said to be adopted by other teams as well. Red Bull’s chief Christian Horner offered a simple “no comment” when asked about allegations against their rivals McLaren following the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Ferrari’s key figure, Frederic Vasseur, was more outspoken on the issue yet intrigued as he stated: “I don’t understand the theory because I think we are all trying to eliminate moisture from everywhere rather than adding something into the tires.” The departure of chief designer Adrian Newey— who will join Aston Martin in 2025 — is expected to have a significant impact on Red Bull’s strategies.
However, few could have predicted the decline would occur so suddenly following his departure midway through 2024.
The FIA did not officially deem McLaren’s rear wing design illegal, but the manufacturer was advised to limit its movement. Both Norris and Piastri defended McLaren before the team agreed to modify their rear wing after it was determined by the FIA that it flexed excessively on track. This exploration of boundaries is precisely what has helped Red Bull become a dominant force in F1 recently. Meanwhile, Verstappen issued a warning to his own team following challenges towards the end of last season; he suggested that principal Horner and Red Bull mechanics need to refine their strategies if they wish for dominance again: “If we continue like this, I won’t be champion next year,” he cautioned with these decisive 12 words about future prospects. “It’s as simple as that—we really have to make strides towards being competitive next season.”
I am confident that the team can resolve last season’s adjustment issues. Some aspects we couldn’t change previously will be improved for next year. We recognize the need to perform much better over kerbs, bumps, and in medium corners since those are generally our weak points. If we still get outperformed, it will purely come down to raw speed.
