Sainz: Max "would never" veto me

Carlos Sainz has defended his former team mate Max Verstappen vetoed him as a potential Red Bull team mate before he signed for McLaren.

Verstappen and Sainz were team mates during 2015 and the Dutchman outperformed Sainz by 49 points to 18.

However, the Spaniard has improved in recent times and is having a strong season with Renault, so would’ve been a fierce competitor in a top car, which led to rumours of a veto from Verstappen.

The vacant Red Bull seat left by Daniel Ricciardo’s move to Renault has been taken by Pierre Gasly, who has impressed at Toro Rosso in his first full season of F1.

Suggestions of the veto have been batted away by Sainz, who told Dutch publication Formule 1: "I don't know where that comes from, because Max is one of the drivers I have the best relationship with in the paddock.

"He would never do that.

"I can only be grateful to Red Bull for giving me the opportunity to reach Formula One and drive for different teams.

“The fact that I didn't end with a Red Bull seat does not mean that it will never happen."

Sainz has also hit back at claims saying the move to McLaren is a backwards step in his career.

His current Renault team is 30 points ahead of McLaren in the constructors’ standings.

"I think it's the right place for me at the right time," Sainz reiterated.

"The team is being rebuilt and everything is focused on getting back to the front. I have a contract for two years, but the intention is to stay longer and achieve successes together."