Carlos Sainz recently expressed his surprise at not being considered to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull for the 2025 season, sparking a widespread debate among Formula 1 fans. The max verstappen teammate debate intensified as fans shared mixed reactions on social media following Sainz’s comments about his past and potential future with the team.
Carlos Sainz Questions Red Bull’s Decision on Teammate Choice
<pCarlos Sainz revealed he would have welcomed the chance to race alongside Max Verstappen again, highlighting their past healthy rivalry during their shared time at Toro Rosso. Despite this, Red Bull did not approach him for a seat in 2025, a decision that puzzles the Spanish driver. Sainz stressed the positive relationship he maintains with Verstappen, a four-time world champion, and expressed confidence in their potential as teammates.
On the High Performance podcast, Sainz reflected on their early career competition:
“We had a rivalry on our first year in F1 at 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,”
he said.
“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 F1.”
Fan Opinions Divide Over Sainz’s Comments on Red Bull
The remarks triggered a wave of fan reactions across social platforms, exposing a variety of perspectives about Sainz’s fit at Red Bull. While some supported the idea of Sainz joining Verstappen, others cautioned against such a move, citing concerns about Red Bull’s internal team dynamics and long-term prospects.
One fan remarked,
“Glad he avoided it cuz Red bull is a sinking ship.”
Another chimed in,
“bro is lucky he didn’t end up there tho,”
while a third shared a harsher view:
“Honestly, he should be thankful for this. Red Bull second seat is a career reaper.”
Other comments ranged from playful to critical. A supporter joked,
“Maybe they actually love Carlos and they didn’t want him driving a soapbox derby car.”
Meanwhile, another user suggested,
“Carlos is one of the few drivers that can actually beat Max. They didn’t want all that competition at the team.”
One fan brought a different angle, suggesting familial tensions:
“Because your father and his father won’t play nicely.”
Sainz Reflects on His Career Path and Missed Opportunities
Carlos Sainz’s trajectory shifted when Lewis Hamilton secured a Ferrari seat for 2025, a move that left Sainz without a spot at the Italian team. Despite interest from several front-running teams, no formal approach was made, leading the 30-year-old to sign with Williams instead. This unexpected turn has added fuel to the ongoing debates about his potential with Red Bull.
Carlos Sainz Confident in Competing Against Max Verstappen
Looking back on their early careers together, Sainz emphasized that competing against Verstappen did not intimidate him. When they raced side-by-side at Toro Rosso, both drivers displayed strong performances. Sainz explained his belief that he could hold his own against Verstappen in a high-pressure setting like Red Bull, contrasting with the struggles some other teammates have faced.
“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,”
Sainz said on the podcast. He praised Verstappen’s skill by acknowledging,
“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.”
After their time at Toro Rosso, Sainz moved to Renault in 2017, while Verstappen was promoted to Red Bull midway through the 2016 season. Their paths diverged but the respect between them has remained.
Implications for Formula 1’s Team Dynamics and Future
The max verstappen teammate debate ignited by Carlos Sainz raises questions about Red Bull’s team strategies and talent management moving forward. Fans speculate whether the team prioritizes harmony over competition or fears internal rivalry that might affect championship outcomes.
With Sainz now at Williams and Verstappen continuing to lead Red Bull, the sporting landscape remains dynamic. The debate highlights the challenges drivers face balancing ambition and cooperation under the intense spotlight of Formula 1. How Red Bull approaches teammate selection in the future will likely remain a key topic, especially as rival teams evaluate their own driver lineups to challenge Verstappen’s dominance.
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. Who has more wealth: Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton?
Q. What is Max Verstappen’s baby gender?
A. On May 2, Verstappen, who is 27, shared two pictures of his newborn daughter, Lily, on Instagram. He introduced her by saying, “Welcome to the world, sweet Lily.”
Q. What gender is Max Verstappen’s baby?
A. Max Verstappen shared the joyful news of becoming a parent for the first time. The Formula One racer and his partner, Kelly Piquet, are celebrating the birth of a baby girl. They posted a photo with their newborn on social media, along with her sweet name. Best wishes to Max and Kelly!
Q. What gender is Max Verstappen’s kid?
A. Verstappen and Piquet recently celebrated the birth of their baby girl, Lily. They had shared news of Piquet’s pregnancy before the 2024 Abu Dhabi season finale. Lily now joins her older sister, Penelope, in the family.
