Max Verstappen refused to pull any punches in a blockbuster interview with cryptic verdicts on his future and his Formula 1 rivals.
The Dutchman hinted at teams breaking rules in a 2024 season where he became a four-time world champion but nearly quit Red Bull.
Verstappen, who has repeatedly hinted he could walk from F1 soon, generated headlines on-and-off track en route to his fourth title.
The Belgian-born driver won seven of the first 10 races which ultimately proved the difference in retaining his championship.
During this period, Verstappen was at the centre of a Red Bull civil war between his father Jos and team principal Christian Horner.
The fallout saw legendary designer Adrian Newey join Aston Martin, with chief Verstappen alley Helmut Marko also linked with an exit.
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Reports surfaced that the 27-year-old would have followed the man instrumental in his Red Bull move in leaving – had tensions escalated.
Mercedes were thought to be his potential landing point, with Toto Wolff desperate for a statement replacement for Lewis Hamilton.
Commenting on that period of discontent, Verstappen told De Telegraaf: “I think I made it clear what I thought about it. I also think it was important that I said that then.
“And I meant it. It wasn’t a bluff. And they know that within the team too. Did I have doubts about my future at Red Bull at that stage? Well, the feeling wasn’t quite 100 per cent.
“There was a lot going on. But on the other hand, I don’t think that if something goes wrong, you can immediately say: I’m leaving. That’s not how I am.”
On criticism, his dad Jos received for perceivingly not acting in his son’s best interests during his feud with Horner, Verstappen added: “But that is nonsense. My father sees the bigger picture very quickly.
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“And that certain things that happen have an influence on the future of me and the team. Some people from outside may not see that.”
Verstappen claimed a record-breaking 19 wins in 2023 to win the title by 290 points but his achievement this year was even greater.
McLaren ended Red Bull’s two-season hold on the constructor’s title having boasted the leading vehicle since Miami in round six.
Verstappen endured a five-month winless streak as his team slipped to third overall and yet still wrapped up another drivers’ championship with two races to go.
Red Bull have already installed Liam Lawson as Verstappen’s new teammate but the latter has warned more changes will be needed to keep the car in the front of the grid.
He added: “If we continue like this, I will not be champion next year. It is that simple. We really have to make steps to be competitive next season. We all know that.
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“I trust that the team can fix the balance problems of last season. And certain things that we could not change last year will be changed for next year.
“We know that it has to be better over the kerbs, bumps and in the slow corners. Those are generally our weak points. If we are still beaten, it will be on the basis of pure speed.”
During Red Bull’s mid-season slump, McLaren’s ascent to the top sparked a controversy over the flexible element of their rear wing.
The ‘mini–DRS’ system allowed the Woking-based team a straight line speed boost even when the DRS slot gap was closed.
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It was found to be in compliance with the 2024 regulations, with McLaren making minor adjustments to the MCL38 around September – while also revealing other F1 teams were also under scrutiny.
Verstappen has now expressed doubt over whether all the parts on all cars were legal but stopped short of making a direct accusation.
“Things happened in the background that meant we had no chance at all in certain races,” Verstappen admitted.
“I know that for sure, but no one will ever admit that.”