Max Verstappen has once again caused a stir in the Formula 1 world after an outburst of anger immediately following the Mexican Grand Prix. The visibly frustrated Dutchman accused his own team, Red Bull, and technical director Laurent Mekies of deliberate sabotage.
According to Verstappen, his RB21 felt “unusually slow and unstable” during the race, especially in the second half. He explained that he felt powerless against what he described as “internal manipulation” within the team, which resulted in him only finishing third.
Verstappen’s words hit like a ton of bricks. “They weakened my car, I’m sure of it,” he told the cameras. “Every lap felt worse, like someone had deliberately changed something. You can’t win a championship like that.”
Within minutes of his comments going viral, panic broke out in the Red Bull camp. Mekies immediately denied all accusations, calling Verstappen’s claims “emotional and baseless.” Yet, the atmosphere remained tense as fans and analysts tried to understand what had actually happened.
Verstappen was in a strong position all weekend. His qualifying times were impressive, and many expected an easy victory. But during the race, he suddenly lost speed, complained of traction problems, and reported on the radio that “the car isn’t responding as usual.”
After the race, experts analyzed the RB21 and confirmed signs of power loss. Some team sources suggest a last-minute engine adjustment may have been the cause. Verstappen, however, believes this wasn’t just a coincidence.
“There are things that aren’t right,” he said later in the paddock. “I know how my car is supposed to drive. This wasn’t normal. Someone changed something without my knowledge.” His tone was sharp, and his gaze spoke volumes about his distrust.
The accusations are particularly painful for Red Bull, known in recent years for its unprecedented dominance. Internal tensions had been palpable for months, especially after rumors that Verstappen was dissatisfied with the team’s direction.
According to insiders, the relationship between Verstappen and Mekies has cooled recently. The two reportedly frequently disagreed about strategy and technical decisions. The outburst in Mexico appears to be the result of weeks of frustration that has now erupted.
The impact on the championship could be significant. By finishing only third, Verstappen lost valuable points, drastically reducing his lead in the standings. His rivals now have a real chance to overtake him in the final races of the season.
Fans reacted strongly on social media. Some supported Verstappen, claiming that “something is clearly wrong” within Red Bull. Others felt he went too far by publicly attacking his own team. The division is greater than ever.
Analysts warn that this situation could seriously undermine Red Bull’s stability. “If the bond of trust between driver and team breaks, that’s the beginning of the end,” said a former F1 engineer. “Verstappen isn’t just a driver—he’s the face of their success.”
Red Bull has since announced an internal investigation into the technical problems during the race. Mekies emphasized that the team “fully supports Verstappen” and that they will work together to determine the cause. However, confidence remains shaky on both sides.
What makes this case even more explosive is that Verstappen’s championship chances are now hanging by a thread. One more bad race could mean he loses the title—a scenario that seemed unthinkable just a few months ago.
The coming weeks will be crucial for both Verstappen and Red Bull. Whether the Dutchman can restore his faith in the team remains uncertain. What is certain is that the tensions within the world champion’s camp are far from over, and the 2025 F1 season will take a dramatic turn that no one could have predicted.
