Sainz Questions Red Bull’s Decision Amidst Team Changes
In a recent interview, Carlos Sainz, currently with Williams, expressed confusion over his exclusion from a potential return to Red Bull Racing, following his exit from Ferrari. The Spaniard, who began his F1 career with the Red Bull junior program, shared his disbelief that a reunion with teammate Max Verstappen was not pursued.
Sainz and Verstappen initially raced together in 2015 at Toro Rosso. While tensions marked their early rivalry, Sainz asserts that their relationship has matured. "I genuinely get on well with Max," he stated on the High Performance podcast. "If that’s the reason I don’t understand why they wouldn’t want me next to Max, because I think we would actually be a very strong pairing."
After being dropped by Ferrari to accommodate Lewis Hamilton for 2025, Sainz moved to Williams, while Red Bull opted for Liam Lawson, who was quickly replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after disappointing performances. Sainz believes that given his history and competitive track record, he would have been a more reliable partner for Verstappen. "Everyone’s having a really tough time being Max’s teammate," he noted, "but I didn’t experience this tough time."
Reflecting on their previous partnership, Sainz acknowledged Verstappen’s extraordinary talent, calling him one of the best drivers in history. Despite Verstappen outscoring Sainz during their time together, Sainz’s performance has strengthened over the years, culminating in a win as the only non-Red Bull driver in 2023.
As Sainz prepares for the 2025 season, he remains confident in his ability to compete against top drivers, having partnered with racing talents like Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, and Alex Albon. "I know I can take it, and I know I’ve been successful in the past," he affirmed.
This recent commentary highlights Sainz’s evolving self-assurance and the competitive landscape within Formula 1 as teams continue to adjust their lineups for future seasons.
