Carlos Sainz on the grid prior to the British Grand Prix start

Sainz states ex-teammate Verstappen wasn't a 'tough' partner at Toro Rosso

09:26, 14 Jul

Updated: 10:18, 14 Jul

byHidde Korte

Carlos Sainz has discussed his experience of having Max Verstappen as a teammate at Toro Rosso in depth. The Spaniard was 'amazed' by how fast the Dutchman was, but believes that it 'wasn't that tough'.

Many teammates have struggled to measure up to Max Verstappen. Drivers like Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, and Liam Lawson have all fallen short when paired with the Dutchman.

Now, Yuki Tsunoda is also feeling the challenge. When asked what makes being Verstappen’s teammate so difficult, Carlos Sainz offered a striking reflection on his own time alongside Verstappen.

"I think everyone really struggles as Max's teammate. I can only say that when I was Max's teammate, it wasn't that tough for me," he said on the High Performance podcast.

"I was naturally amazed by how fast he was, and what an unbelievable driver he is. He is probably, or going to be, one of the greatest of all time in history, if not already.''

Whereas some drivers' spirits can be broken by a faster teammate, Sainz states that their speed has the opposite effect on him, providing even more motivation.

"I've been teammates with Charles, with Lando, with Nico Hulkenberg. I've been, I think, teammates with very quick guys and probably the best in the sport.

"And now Alex, incredibly fast also. It just makes me want to be up against the best still. It hasn't made me go, like, no, I don't want it. I know I can take it, and I know I've been successful in the past."

Sainz's Williams story so far

Carlos Sainz is still settling into his new seat at the Williams team. James Vowles' leadership has doubtlessly revitalised the team, who now sit fifth in the constructors' standings on 59 points. The Spaniard has scored 13 points this year, and while things haven't gone his way consistently, he has shown glimmers of pace as his adjustment continues.

Sainz will be hoping for points in a fortnight when the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa Francorchamps rolls around.