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Carlos Sainz Breaks Silence on Red Bull Snub: ‘My Relationship with Verstappen Was Not the Issue’

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Carlos Sainz Breaks Silence on Red Bull Snub: ‘My Relationship with Verstappen Was Not the Issue’

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - OCTOBER 26: Pole position qualifier Carlos Sainz of Spain and Ferrari and Second placed qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing attend the press conference after qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 26, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202410270051 // Usage for editorial use only //

As Carlos Sainz prepares to embark on a new chapter with Williams Racing, the Spanish driver has addressed the lingering rumors about why a potential move to Red Bull Racing fell through. Sainz, who was left without a seat at Ferrari following their blockbuster deal with Lewis Hamilton, insists his history with Max Verstappen was not a valid reason for Red Bull’s hesitation.


“Sainz: No Issues With Verstappen or Any Teammate”

Sainz’s past partnership with Verstappen at Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri) in 2015 has been cited as a potential deterrent for Red Bull, with suggestions that their prior clashes could disrupt team harmony. However, Sainz has strongly refuted this notion, emphasizing his ability to maintain strong relationships with teammates throughout his career.

“There were never any problems with teammates like Charles Leclerc or Lando Norris,” Sainz said. “If my relationship with Max was the reason why I didn’t end up there [at Red Bull], it would just be wrong. But I’ve already told them that.”

Sainz made it clear that he approached Red Bull with a willingness to adapt and work collaboratively alongside Verstappen, despite their competitive past.


“Williams Move Signals a Fresh Start”

After being passed over by Red Bull, Sainz rejected a lucrative offer from Audi to join Williams Racing. The Spaniard likened his move to the Grove-based team to his transition to McLaren in 2019, a period when the British outfit was emerging from a downturn.

“I feel I am starting at Williams at a similar time to when I was at McLaren,” Sainz explained. “The team is already through its worst phase by the time I get there. They are on their way up. My goal is to accelerate this upward trend.”

Sainz believes that Williams has made significant strides and is confident in his ability to contribute to the team’s resurgence in the coming years.


“Red Bull’s Risk-Averse Decision?”

Despite Sainz’s reassurances, Red Bull opted not to sign him, instead sticking with their current driver lineup. The team’s history of managing driver relationships and prioritizing a clear team leader in Verstappen may have influenced their decision.

Sainz’s track record of building strong midfield teams like McLaren and now potentially Williams could position him as a long-term asset for the Grove-based squad. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s decision underscores the fine line between managing internal harmony and taking risks on a new driver dynamic.


“The Road Ahead for Sainz”

While missing out on a Red Bull seat was undoubtedly a disappointment, Sainz appears focused and optimistic about his future with Williams. The Spaniard is determined to leverage his experience and leadership skills to help Williams climb the grid.

For Sainz, the move marks a chance to build something new, away from the shadow of speculation and team politics, and toward a career defined by perseverance and potential.

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