Max Verstappen has hit back at claims suggesting that Red Bull’s sudden dip in performance during the 2024 Formula 1 season was due to the banning of an illegal car part mid-season. Verstappen, who started the year with a dominant four wins in five races, has branded the allegations as “bizarre” and brushed them off as part of the sport’s inevitable rumor mill.
Red Bull’s early-season form, led by Verstappen and the RB20, initially suggested that the team would continue their dominance from previous years. However, after McLaren introduced a significant upgrade at the Miami Grand Prix, their MCL38 rapidly emerged as a formidable challenger, shifting the balance of power on the grid. Since then, Red Bull’s performance has faltered, leaving Verstappen winless for eight consecutive races.
The team’s downturn in form coincided with the FIA’s ban on asymmetric braking systems, sparking speculation that Red Bull had been utilizing such a mechanism. However, the FIA denied that the rule change was targeting any specific team, and Verstappen has now firmly quashed the circulating rumors.
In an interview with Autosport, Verstappen dismissed the accusations, stating, “People always come up with different stuff. I find it really bizarre how they come up with some of these things, but it is what it is. It’s part of the game, but I usually just let it go. I’ve been in F1 for 10 years now and I’m not wasting time on all those stories.”
Verstappen continued, asserting that he doesn’t engage with the noise surrounding the sport. “Of course, sometimes I see something or someone else tells me: ‘Did you see what this and that person said?’ But I always say people can think what they want, I’m not going to waste my energy on that. So, I don’t really care about what other people say.”
Adding to the challenges Red Bull faces, reports of internal turmoil have emerged, with McLaren CEO Zak Brown suggesting that Red Bull’s environment has become “toxic.” This comes in light of high-profile departures, including design legend Adrian Newey stepping back from his role.
Verstappen, however, brushed aside these suggestions and criticized those making comments about Red Bull’s internal affairs. “People that say all sorts of stuff should just focus on their own team. That’s nothing specifically against Zak Brown, by the way, it applies to everyone. People just need to focus on themselves, and that’s what I’m doing as well.”
Despite the turbulence, Verstappen remains 52 points ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris in the Drivers’ Championship. However, Red Bull has slipped behind McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing by 41 points. As the season heads into its final six rounds, the focus is now on whether Verstappen can hold off the rising challenge from Norris and McLaren.
Reflecting on the ongoing battle, Verstappen insisted that the intensity of the 2024 championship race doesn’t compare to his 2021 showdown with Lewis Hamilton. “Back then, you just had the same two people up front. Of course, 2021 was my first World Championship, so that was very different already. I think I’m a bit more relaxed about it now,” Verstappen explained.
“But the feeling is very different from 2021. Of course, I want to win and of course, I’m going to do my best to defend that lead, but I’m not going to let the rumors or other people’s opinions distract me,” Verstappen concluded.
