Carlos Sainz has shared insights on how competing fiercely against other drivers is almost unavoidable for anyone driving at Red Bull’s sister squad. He reflected on his early Formula 1 years when he raced alongside Max Verstappen at Toro Rosso in 2015 and early 2016, establishing the foundation for a rivalry that shaped both careers. The rivalry intensified as Verstappen earned a quick promotion to Red Bull just four races into 2016, leaving Sainz to battle Daniil Kvyat at Toro Rosso while aiming to prove himself.
The Pressure of Competing With Verstappen Early in Their Careers
In a recent High Performance Podcast discussion, the Spaniard explained the intense environment that forced young drivers to immediately compete head-to-head.
“It was a year to prove yourself,”
Sainz said.
“Trying to beat Max, Max trying to beat me to see who’s better, and if you win, you maybe go to Red Bull.”
He added that the stakes were clear: excelling could mean promotion to Red Bull, holding your ground might secure a career at Toro Rosso, and losing could mean exiting Formula 1 entirely.
“If you manage to shine and not win, you stay with Toro Rosso and you stay in F1 and make a career. If you get destroyed or lose, you are out of Formula 1 – it’s two opposites.”
This reality created an atmosphere where immediate rivalry with Verstappen was unavoidable.
“That’s why the atmosphere we were put into in Toro Rosso was to lock horns with Max immediately.”
Sainz emphasized how Toro Rosso was utilized strategically by team management as a testing ground for young talent.
“I love Toro Rosso, but that team, up until recent years has always been a playground for Helmut Marko and Christian Horner to put the two drivers there to see who’s better and can jump to Red Bull.”
How Toro Rosso’s Intense Environment Shapes Drivers
Despite the harsh competitive environment, Sainz expressed respect for the team’s role in developing top talent for Formula 1.
“No criticism, because that team works well,”
he said, acknowledging Toro Rosso’s success in producing exceptional drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. The team continues to foster emerging talents like Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson, the latter recovering from a challenging episode linked to Red Bull responsibilities.
“It still serves its purpose but the reality is that you’re always going to lock horns with your team-mate there, and especially at the time with two rookies, like with Max and me, we were always going to lock horns,”
Sainz added, highlighting the inevitability of competition within the team.
Although Carlos Sainz did not reach Red Bull, he has steadily built a strong Formula 1 career, racing for Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, and now Williams. Conversely, Max Verstappen has become one of the sport’s greatest drivers, capturing four world championships. However, Verstappen’s future at Red Bull appears uncertain, with rumors suggesting he is considering leaving the team.
Looking Ahead: The Ongoing Impact of the Rivalry
The intense rivalry between Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen illustrates the high-pressure environment fostered by Red Bull and its sister team, shaping the careers of young drivers in extreme ways. This competitive culture continues to influence the dynamics within Formula 1 driver lineups, where only the strongest can rise to the top. As Verstappen’s future remains a subject of speculation and Sainz continues to prove his skills at Williams, the legacy of their early battles sets a benchmark for future generations facing similar challenges.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Max Verstappen a billionaire?
A. Based on several reports, Max Verstappen’s net worth is thought to be around $210 million.
Q. What is Max Verstappen’s baby gender?
A. Verstappen and Piquet recently shared the news that they have a baby daughter named Lily. They initially revealed they were expecting this child before the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi. Lily is a new sibling to Piquet’s older daughter, Penelope.
Q. Is Max Verstappen’s child a boy?
A. MIAMI — Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet are celebrating the arrival of their first child. On Friday, the four-time world champion shared on Instagram that they have a daughter named Lily.
Q. Is Penelope not Max Verstappen’s daughter?
A. His partner, Kelly Piquet, is the daughter of ex-world champion Nelson Piquet. She has a daughter named Penelope from a past relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. Verstappen has developed a strong bond with Penelope. He recently mentioned this relationship when questioned if fatherhood could affect his racing performance.