Carlos Sainz: “I don’t understand why” Red Bull rejected me as Max Verstappen team-mate

Williams Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz “doesn’t understand” why he was refused an opportunity to return to the Red Bull fold and prove himself against Max Verstappen after being dropped by Ferrari for 2025. 

Sainz was given his start in F1 through the Red Bull junior programme, joining the series in 2015 at Toro Rosso alongside Verstappen. However, tensions flared between the pair as they fought for a chance to prove themselves to Red Bull and the F1 paddock. 

Tempers settled once the drivers went their separate ways, with Sainz also racing at Renault, McLaren and Ferrari in the years since. But the rift came to light once again last year, when Sainz was on the hunt for a drive after being dropped by Ferrari to make way for seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.   

The differing opinions of Sainz and Verstappen were viewed by some as a reason that the Spaniard didn't make a move back to the Red Bull fold. But Sainz believes the pair had a “healthy rivalry”, and added that his relationship with the four-time world champion has improved since. 

“The only thing I can say is I genuinely get on well with Max,” Sainz told the High Performance podcast.

Max Verstappen, Toro Rosso, and Carlos Sainz Jr., Toro Rosso

Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images

“This is what people don't see from the outside. Like, we had a rivalry on our first year in Formula 1 in Toro Rosso, but it was a relatively healthy rivalry in terms of him and me, the way we used to go about racing. And now we get on really well.

“So, 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 in Formula 1.”  

Sainz went to Williams instead, and Red Bull signed Liam Lawson to partner Verstappen at the senior team – but he was demoted after just two races. Yuki Tsunoda then made the step up, but has faced similar struggles matching Verstappen since moving to the team.   

Sainz believes he would have been a safer pair of hands at Red Bull, and added that his history of keeping pace with the Dutchman shows he can race “against anyone”.

“I think everyone's having a really tough time being Max's team-mate,” Sainz said. “I can only say that when I was Max's team-mate, I didn't have this tough time.  

“I was obviously incredibly surprised with how quick he was, with how he's an insane driver. I mean, he's going to go out to be one of the best ever in history, if he's not already one. But that first year together, since then, has given me the confidence to know I can be up against anyone.” 

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Carlos Sainz, Williams

Sainz partnered Verstappen for the entire 2015 season and the first four races in the following year. Verstappen outscored Sainz in 2015, ending the year more than 30 points ahead, and finished higher than the Spaniard over the first four races the following year. 

In the years since, however, Sainz has become a formidable opponent, and was the only non-Red Bull driver to pick up a race win in 2023. 

“I've been team-mates with Charles [Leclerc], with Lando [Norris], 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.”