Max Verstappen cryptic, a dig at McLaren? “Things happened behind the scenes”. Max Verstappen appeared to take a swipe at rival McLaren F1 team.

Balance and Controversies
The 2024 Formula 1 season provided fans with an exciting and unique spectacle, marked by Red Bull‘s dominance in the early races followed by increasing parity among teams. This led to multiple teams—McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes—winning several Grands Prix. Ultimately, McLaren stood out, clinching the Constructors’ Championship—their first in 26 years—edging out Ferrari in a tight battle. Red Bull found solace in Max Verstappen’s fourth Drivers’ Championship, as the Dutchman skillfully compensated for his team’s growing technical struggles in the second half of the season.

As is often the case in tightly contested seasons, controversies surrounding alleged irregularities and tactical “tricks” emerged. McLaren faced significant criticism—especially from competitors—after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. Their controversial rear wing, which deformed on the straights of the circuit, allegedly provided a decisive advantage to their papaya-colored cars. Max Verstappen also touched on the thorny issue of regulations being “bent” to favor certain teams. While not making direct accusations, the Dutch champion hinted in an interview with *De Telegraaf* at “behind-the-scenes” events that may have hindered Red Bull to the benefit of other teams, likely McLaren.

Max Verstappen’s cryptic statement
“There were things that happened in the background that made it so we had no chance in certain races. I know for sure, but no one will ever admit it,” Verstappen said. His words were cryptic and somewhat vague compared to more specific accusations he has made in previous years. However, McLaren’s so-called mini-DRS system, later banned, clearly facilitated Oscar Piastri‘s victory in the Azerbaijan GP—a result that, in hindsight, proved pivotal in McLaren securing the Constructors’ title.

Another controversial topic, which Max Verstappen might have been referencing, involved Red Bull’s T-Tray system. This system, allegedly present on the Milton Keynes cars, was said to potentially alter the car’s ride height even under parc fermé conditions, a clear breach of regulations. The FIA thoroughly investigated the matter, conducting a surprise inspection at Milton Keynes and examining internal data and documents related to the system’s use to adjust the front-end ride height. Ultimately, the FIA concluded that no rule violations had occurred.