In Pixar’s Cars 2, who is the secret criminal mastermind behind the plot?

In Pixar’s Cars 2, Miles Axlerod is the secret criminal mastermind behind the plot.

Axlerod is introduced as the organizer of the World Grand Prix and presents himself as a former oil baron who converted to electric power. His public image makes him appear to support clean energy and international cooperation. The film later reveals that he is secretly directing the conspiracy involving Allinol and the attacks on racers.

Finn McMissile and Professor Zündapp are associated with the espionage plot, but neither is the hidden mastermind. Finn is a British spy, while Zündapp is a villainous scientist who works for the conspiracy. Francesco Bernoulli is a rival racer, not the criminal organizer.

Cars 2 was released in 2011 and shifts the series toward spy-film conventions. Mater becomes involved in the investigation after being mistaken for an American secret agent, while Lightning McQueen competes in the World Grand Prix.