Carlos Sainz believes that tensions with his first teammate in F1, Max Verstappen, were intentionally exacerbated by Red Bull, within the Toro Rosso team.
The Spanish driver, who was at one time in the running to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull Racing, was ultimately not retained by Christian Horner, as that would have sent “a bad message” to young pilots in the sector (read here).
Some also believe that the Verstappen – Sainz duo would not have worked, with too much risk of tension. This is particularly the opinion expressed by Dr Helmut Marko.
The Spaniard today responded to these claims.
“With Max there was a rivalry, but in this Toro Rosso team they wanted at all costs to create a dualism, tensions imposed as a principle of selection to go to Red Bull,” explains Sainz.
“It was a desired climate. And as we were 17 and 20 years old, we were immature, we had hot and tough moments. But the fault clearly lies with the team.”
-“I take my following collaborations as an example. At Renault, everything went well. At McLaren, with Lando, there was rivalry, but less tension. And at Ferrari, it was different, there was had healthy emulation.”
“With Charles, we were fighting for victories, not for eighth places. And despite that we worked as a duo and not a duel. And against someone as competitive as him, everything becomes bigger and more difficult. “
“That’s why I’m proud of the way we performed during these four years: once he was in front of me, another time me. Four years without incidents or stupidities, but always very close on track. I hope that ‘one day we will remember and appreciate this.’
