Carlos Sainz Expresses Disbelief Over Red Bull's Rejection for Max Verstappen Team-Up





Carlos Sainz, currently a driver for Williams in Formula 1, has voiced his astonishment at Red Bull's choice to overlook him for a potential return to their lineup as Max Verstappen's teammate for the 2025 season. This decision comes despite their shared history during their formative years in F1 at Toro Rosso, where they began their racing careers together.
Sainz and Verstappen were paired at Toro Rosso in 2015, marking their entry into Formula 1. While their time together was characterized by intense competition, a natural byproduct of two ambitious young talents vying for recognition within the Red Bull junior program, Sainz maintains that their rivalry was fundamentally healthy. He suggests that any past tensions have long dissipated, replaced by a mutual respect and an improved personal relationship. According to Sainz, their combined strengths would have created a highly competitive duo within the sport's premier category, making Red Bull's rejection particularly perplexing to him.
After his departure from Ferrari, a move necessitated by Lewis Hamilton's impending arrival, Sainz found himself seeking a new position for the 2025 season. During this period, speculation arose about a possible reunion with Red Bull, given his past ties and proven capabilities. However, Red Bull ultimately chose to promote Liam Lawson and subsequently Yuki Tsunoda to partner Verstappen, both of whom have faced considerable challenges in consistently matching the Dutchman's performance. Sainz points to these struggles as further validation of his own potential contribution, asserting that his historical performance against Verstappen demonstrates his ability to compete effectively alongside any driver on the grid.
Sainz reflects on his career trajectory since his initial stint with Verstappen, having competed successfully for teams such as Renault, McLaren, and Ferrari. His remarkable achievement of being the only non-Red Bull driver to secure a race victory in 2023 underscores his strong competitive spirit and skill. He remains confident in his capacity to perform at the highest level, having consistently battled and matched some of the sport's most talented individuals, including Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Nico Hulkenberg, and now Alex Albon. This unwavering belief in his abilities only deepens his bewilderment regarding Red Bull's decision to not consider him for a coveted seat beside their reigning champion.
Ultimately, Sainz's observations highlight a perceived missed opportunity for Red Bull to assemble a truly dominant pairing. His enduring belief in a strong partnership with Verstappen stems from their past, which he views as a testament to his own caliber against a driver who is widely considered one of the greatest in the history of the sport. His journey to Williams, while a new chapter, serves as a reminder of his continued pursuit of excellence and his firm conviction in his racing prowess.