In Pixar’s Cars 2, which character secretly masterminds the international plot?

Sir Miles Axlerod secretly masterminds the international plot in Pixar’s Cars 2.

Axlerod presents himself as a former oil tycoon who became an environmental advocate. He organizes the World Grand Prix and promotes Allinol, a supposedly clean alternative fuel. His real plan is to use electromagnetic pulses to make Allinol-powered cars appear dangerous, damaging the reputation of the fuel and the racers who use it.

The scheme targets the race itself and creates the central mystery investigated by Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell. Mater uncovers key information even though the spies initially treat him as an accidental nuisance.

Professor Zündapp is an important accomplice, but he is not the ultimate mastermind. The distinction matters because Zündapp carries out technical and operational work, while Axlerod controls the broader conspiracy and its public-facing World Grand Prix campaign.