Carlos Sainz’s Frustration Over Missed Opportunity at Red Bull
Carlos Sainz, a seasoned Formula 1 driver, has expressed confusion over why he was not given the chance to return to Red Bull Racing and compete against Max Verstappen in 2025. Sainz, who started his F1 career with the Red Bull junior programme in 2015, had a complex relationship with Verstappen during their early years at Toro Rosso. Despite initial tensions, the rivalry eventually evolved into a more mature competition that both drivers viewed as healthy.
Sainz emphasized that his relationship with Verstappen has improved significantly over the years. He shared this insight on the High Performance podcast, stating, “The only thing I can say is I genuinely get on well with Max.” He added that the public often overlooks the positive dynamics between them, noting that their rivalry in their first year together was relatively constructive.
Sainz believes that his history of keeping pace with Verstappen demonstrates his ability to race against anyone in the sport. “I think everyone's having a really tough time being Max's team-mate,” he said. “I can only say that when I was Max's team-mate, I didn't have this tough time.”
A Rivalry That Shaped Their Careers
Sainz and Verstappen were teammates for the entire 2015 season and the first four races of the following year. During that time, Verstappen outscored Sainz by more than 30 points, finishing ahead of him in the standings. However, since then, Sainz has developed into a formidable competitor, securing four Grand Prix victories and proving himself as one of the top drivers in the field.
Despite this, Sainz was not offered a seat back at Red Bull for 2025. Instead, the team opted to sign Liam Lawson from sister squad Racing Bulls, who was later demoted after just two races. Yuki Tsunoda then took his place but has struggled to match Verstappen’s pace.
Sainz believes that his experience and consistency would have made him a safer choice for Red Bull. “I think I would have been a safer pair of hands at Red Bull,” he said. “My history of keeping pace with the Dutchman shows I can race against anyone.”
A Career of Competition and Growth
Throughout his career, Sainz has competed alongside some of the fastest drivers in Formula 1, including Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Nico Hulkenberg, and Alex Albon. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to hold his own against the best in the sport.
“I've been team-mates with Charles, with Lando, with Nico Hulkenberg, very quick guys, and probably the best in the sport,” Sainz said. “Now Alex Albon is incredibly fast also, and it just makes me want to be up against the best still. I know I can take it, and I know I've been successful in the past.”
Sainz now competes with Williams, where he continues to push for results and prove his worth. His frustration over missing the opportunity to rejoin Red Bull highlights the competitive nature of Formula 1 and the challenges drivers face in securing their positions in the sport.
As the 2025 season approaches, Sainz remains focused on his performance and the potential for future opportunities. His determination to race against the best in the world reflects his deep passion for Formula 1 and his desire to continue making an impact on the track.
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