In a shocking revelation, Carlos Sainz has thrown shade at Red Bull, questioning their decision-making in not pairing him with Max Verstappen, claiming he did not face the same challenges as others alongside the Dutch phenomenon.
Sainz, who missed out on a seat at Red Bull and ended up at Williams, expressed his confusion over why the Milton Keynes-based team overlooked him despite his successful stint at Toro Rosso alongside Verstappen. The 30-year-old driver boldly stated that he did not undergo the “tough time” often associated with being teammates with the four-time F1 champion.
After being released by Ferrari following the signing of Lewis Hamilton in 2024, Sainz found himself in high demand during the F1 silly season last year. Despite being a sought-after free agent, both Red Bull and Mercedes opted not to recruit him, with rumors swirling that Verstappen’s camp was uneasy about the potential partnership.
While Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko had previously described the atmosphere at Toro Rosso during Sainz and Verstappen’s time together as “toxic,” Sainz disagreed, insisting that he and Verstappen had a healthy rivalry that evolved into a strong friendship.
The Spanish driver refrained from confirming whether Verstappen vetoed his move to Red Bull or if concerns over their relationship influenced the team’s decision. Sainz emphasized his positive rapport with Verstappen and expressed his belief that they would have formed a formidable duo in Formula 1.
The Formula 1 world is now abuzz with speculation and intrigue over the behind-the-scenes drama at Red Bull, with Sainz’s bold claims shedding light on the inner workings of one of the sport’s most elite teams. Will Red Bull regret not pairing Sainz with Verstappen? Only time will tell in this high-octane saga of speed, rivalry, and intrigue.