Max Verstappen and Red Bull cheated and cost Hamilton the 2024 championship. Will history repeat itself in 2025

Formula 1 has always been a battleground where innovation, strategy, and raw talent determine success. But in 2024, accusations of cheating and rule-bending rocked the sport once again. At the center of this controversy? Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing.

Fans and analysts claim that Red Bull’s questionable tactics cost Lewis Hamilton the 2024 championship, reigniting tensions between the Mercedes and Red Bull camps. As the 2025 season approaches, speculation grows: Will Red Bull use the same controversial methods to keep their dominance? And if so, will Hamilton and Mercedes finally find a way to fight back?

Let’s dive deep into the allegations, the evidence, and what this means for the future of F1.

1. Red Bull’s 2024 Controversies: Were They Playing Fair?

Red Bull’s dominance in 2024 was undeniable, but their methods were highly questioned. Throughout the season, reports surfaced suggesting that the team pushed the boundaries of legality.

Aerodynamic Tricks and Flexible Wings

One of the biggest controversies involved Red Bull’s aerodynamics package.

• Several teams, including Mercedes and Ferrari, accused Red Bull of using flexible wings that provided higher straight-line speed without losing downforce in corners.
• The FIA conducted tests, but Red Bull always found a way to stay just inside the legal limits.
• Mercedes engineers believed that Red Bull exploited a gray area in the rules, making their car virtually unstoppable in race conditions.

Suspicious Tire Strategies and Pressure Manipulation

Another major issue was Red Bull’s tire strategies, particularly in key races against Mercedes.

• Some analysts suggested that Red Bull was lowering tire pressures below the legal limits to improve performance, especially on high-degradation circuits.
• The FIA monitored tire pressures, but Red Bull never got caught outright violating the rules.
• However, Hamilton and his Mercedes team hinted at suspicious patterns, fueling conspiracy theories.

Engine Mode Controversy: Red Bull’s Hidden Power?

In late 2024, whispers in the paddock suggested that Red Bull had developed a hidden engine mode that gave Verstappen an extra boost of power at critical moments.

• FIA regulations limit teams from adjusting engine performance mid-race, but Red Bull’s acceleration in key battles left teams questioning if they had found a loophole.
• Some insiders believed that Red Bull’s Honda power unit was running an aggressive fuel mapping strategy, giving them an unfair advantage.
• Mercedes and Ferrari engineers demanded further investigations, but no official punishment was handed down.

Despite the constant allegations, Red Bull walked away from 2024 as champions—leaving Hamilton and Mercedes frustrated but determined to fight back in 2025.

2. Will Red Bull Repeat Their 2024 Tactics in 2025?

With new regulations coming into play, some hoped that Red Bull’s dominance would fade. But with Adrian Newey’s brilliance and Verstappen’s unrelenting aggression, Red Bull is still expected to be a title favorite.

How Red Bull Could Continue Their Dominance

• New Technical Innovations: Red Bull has always been at the forefront of pushing the limits of the rulebook. In 2025, they will likely introduce new aerodynamic tricks to maintain their edge.
• Loopholes in FIA Regulations: Red Bull has a history of finding legal gray areas. They could once again develop borderline legal solutions that other teams struggle to match.
• Strategic Pit Stop Manipulations: Red Bull’s unmatched pit strategy has often been a game-changer. Expect them to continue playing the long game in races.

What Mercedes and Hamilton Must Do to Counterattack

• Stronger Technical Innovations: Mercedes needs to match Red Bull’s aggressive development pace and bring their own innovations.
• Political Pressure on the FIA: If they suspect rule-bending, Mercedes must push for stricter FIA regulations and tests.
• Flawless race execution: Every small mistake in 2025 will be punished. Hamilton and Mercedes must be perfect in strategy, pit stops, and racecraft.

The question remains: Can Mercedes truly stop Red Bull’s relentless dominance? Or will Red Bull always find ways to stay ahead of the game?

3. Lewis Hamilton’s Perspective: Will He Have His Revenge?

After losing the 2024 championship, Hamilton refused to stay silent about his frustrations.

• In post-season interviews, he hinted that Red Bull had bent the rules, though he stopped short of outright accusing them of cheating.
• Hamilton made it clear that 2025 would be different, promising to fight back with everything he has.
• His contract extension with Mercedes suggests that he isn’t done chasing his 8th world title.

Can Hamilton Still Compete with Verstappen?

• Despite his age, Hamilton remains one of the best drivers on the grid.
• His racecraft, experience, and adaptability are unmatched.
• If Mercedes gives him a competitive car, he will be a serious contender for the title.

The biggest problem? Verstappen’s raw speed and relentless aggression mean that Hamilton can’t afford any missteps. If he wants revenge, he needs to outsmart Red Bull at every turn.

4. FIA’s Role: Can They Keep the Playing Field Fair?

Many fans believe that the FIA hasn’t done enough to regulate Red Bull’s dominance.

• In past seasons, some critics accused the FIA of being too lenient on rule infractions.
• If Red Bull truly bends the rules again in 2025, will the FIA step in—or will they once again turn a blind eye?
• Some teams have already pushed for stricter technical inspections to prevent another 2024-style scandal.

The FA’s actions in 2025 will be crucial in determining if the championship will be fair or if Red Bull will once again escape punishment.

Conclusion: Will history repeat itself in 2025?

The 2024 Formula 1 season ended in controversy, leaving fans divided over whether Red Bull’s success was deserved or if they exploited loopholes to their advantage.

Looking ahead to 2025, the stakes are higher than ever:

• Red Bull will aim to continue their dominance.
• Mercedes and Hamilton will try to fight back.
• The FIA will be under pressure to ensure fair play.

If Red Bull repeats their questionable tactics and wins again, will Formula 1 ever be truly fair? Or is the sport destined to be ruled by those who best manipulate the rulebook?

Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—2025 is shaping up to be one of the most explosive seasons in Formula 1 history.