Carlos Sainz has voiced his confusion regarding Red Bull’s choice not to appoint him as Max Verstappen‘s teammate for the 2025 Formula One season. Despite being replaced at Ferrari by Lewis Hamilton for 2024, Sainz secured a seat at Williams next to Alex Albon but was not selected by Red Bull to fill the vacancy left by Sergio Perez after his departure.
Reflections on Past Partnership with Verstappen
Speaking on the High Performance podcast, Sainz reflected on his previous experience racing alongside Verstappen during their rookie year together at Toro Rosso in 2015. He noted that he did not find being Verstappen’s teammate as challenging as others reportedly have, which contributed to his surprise at being overlooked.
“I think everyone’s having a really tough time being Max’s team-mate. I can only say that when I was Max’s team-mate, I didn’t have this tough time.” —Carlos Sainz, Formula One Driver
Addressing Rumors of Tension with Verstappen’s Camp
Speculation has circulated that unresolved tensions between Sainz and Verstappen’s camp influenced Red Bull’s selection process. Sainz dismissed these claims, stressing the positive personal relationship he shares with Verstappen. He described their early rivalry as healthy and emphasized that they now have a good rapport away from the track.
“The only thing I can say is I genuinely get on well with Max. This is what people don’t see from the outside.” —Carlos Sainz, Formula One Driver
Red Bull Chooses Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda Instead
Ultimately, Red Bull opted to bring in Liam Lawson as Verstappen’s new teammate after Sergio Perez’s exit. However, Lawson was replaced after two races due to difficulties adapting to the car, with Yuki Tsunoda stepping into the role. Sainz believes that had he been given a chance, he could have built a competitive partnership with Verstappen.
Sainz’s Career Reflections and Competitiveness
Reflecting on his career, Sainz highlighted his experience racing alongside top drivers including Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, and Nico Hulkenberg—each acknowledged as exceptionally quick competitors. He also noted Alex Albon’s pace at Williams and expressed his ongoing desire to compete against the sport’s best talents, motivated by his own capabilities and competitive spirit.
“I’ve been team-mates with Charles [Leclerc], with Lando [Norris], with Nico Hulkenberg, very quick guys, and probably the best in the sport.” —Carlos Sainz, Formula One Driver
Recent Performances and Current Standings
Since joining Williams, Sainz has achieved notable results, finishing eighth in both the Saudi Arabian and Emilia-Romagna Grands Prix. Despite his efforts, he currently sits 15th in the drivers‘ standings, trailing his teammate Alex Albon by 33 points. Nevertheless, Sainz remains determined to prove his ability to challenge elite competitors in Formula One at every race weekend.
Looking Ahead in Formula One
As Sainz continues to focus on his progress with Williams, questions linger about Red Bull’s decision not to reinstate him as Verstappen’s teammate for the 2025 season. His reflections on past partnerships and his current performances underline his competitive drive to succeed amidst the high demands of Formula One racing. Moving forward, Sainz aims to demonstrate his skill and resilience consistently on the track as he pursues further success in the sport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Max Verstappen: Who has the bigger net worth in 2025? Lewis Hamilton, with a net worth of $300 million, surpasses Max Verstappen’s $200 million. Hamilton’s wealth is from Formula 1 earnings, endorsements, smart investments, and properties.
A. Does Max Verstappen have more money than Lewis Hamilton?
Q. What is Max Verstappen’s baby gender?
A. On May 2, 27-year-old Verstappen shared two pictures of his newborn daughter, Lily, on Instagram. He captioned them with “Welcome to the world, sweet Lily.”
