Sainz explains: 'They wanted to create a duel'

In 2015, Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen were teammates as they drove for Toro Rosso. Shortly after, Verstappen joined the big leagues as a Red Bull racing driver while Sainz carried on at Renault. This time in Sainz's career was not easy for him as he felt Red Bull was creating issues between him and Verstappen.

Sainz spoke to Italy's Corriere della Sera about his time as Verstappen's teammate. "With Max, there was rivalry, but at that team (Toro Rosso), they wanted to create a duel at all costs to determine who could go to Red Bull. We were 17 and 20 years old, still immature," Sainz said. "With Lando, there was also rivalry but less tension. At Ferrari, it was very different again."

"With Charles, we were fighting for wins, not for eighth place. Against someone as competitive as him, everything becomes more intense and complicated. Still, I am proud of what we have achieved in four years: one time, he was in front of me, and another time, me. Four years without incidents or drama, but always with exciting battles on the track. I hope this will one day be remembered and appreciated," Sainz concluded.

Next season, Sainz will have a new teammate after being replaced at Ferrari by Lewis Hamilton. Sainz took a contract with Williams Racing and he will now race beside Alexander Albon.

This article was written in collaboration with Savannah Lenz.

Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!

X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube