Carlos Sainz's father has responded to rumors that the Verstappen camp could be the reason why the Spanish driver's negotiations with Red Bull broke down earlier this year.
As Ferrari dominates Formula 1, Mexican GP winner Sainz is pushed out of the Maranello-based team – and must make do with Williams for 2025 and beyond.
Sainz tries to remain optimistic.
“Mexico reminded me that when I have everything under control and I have weekends like that, I prove to myself that I can be world champion one day,” he told Interlagos.
“I just have to keep reminding myself and focusing on myself because going forward it will put me in a good position.”
Sainz is replaced at Ferrari by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who suggested on Thursday that he appeared to have made a wise decision seeing Ferrari's current performance.
Sainz also claims some of the credit for Ferrari's upward trend throughout the 2024 season.
“We had a difficult period mid-season. I was very critical and openly expressed these issues and the things I didn't like about this package. We are creating a very strong team now and that makes me makes it sad that it all ends for me at the end of the year. Maybe 2025 will be the year I won't be here anymore, but I hope we win the constructors' title this year.
Many think it is tragic that the in-form Sainz will have to leave Ferrari and settle for mid-table in 2025. In the paddock there is talk that Sainz's negotiations with Red Bull failed because Jos Verstappen and Carlos Sainz Senior didn't get along.
The dispute dates back to when both drivers were at Toro Rosso (photo below).
"We must respect all opinions," declared Carlos Sainz Sr., “but that’s absolutely not true.”
“There is no bad relationship between Jos Verstappen and me and what's more, this year he is taking his first steps in rallying and we have spoken on different occasions about rallying – about the notes, about the car.
“The relationship is cordial,” added Sainz’s father, a world rallying legend.
Sainz Senior is philosophical about his son having to take a step back to Williams next year.
“Formula 1 has its circumstances, its difficulties, its moments. You have to respect that. But I think Carlos is excited, even very excited by the Williams project and I also know that he obviously wants to be in a position to fight for win races as soon as possible.”
“What he said is true, it's a bit bittersweet, and after these four years at Ferrari he's a bit angry that he won't be able to enjoy this position next year. Because Ferrari , if it continues like this, will leave as one of the favorites.”
