Last year, Carlos Sainz found himself at a crossroads after Ferrari decided to replace him with Lewis Hamilton, making the Spanish driver one of the most sought-after talents on the Formula 1 drivers‘ market. Despite potential opportunities, including a possible Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen, Sainz chose to join Williams, a move he now reflects on while questioning Red Bull’s decision to overlook him for their second car amid ongoing struggles.
The Choices Facing Carlos Sainz After Leaving Ferrari
Following his departure from Ferrari, Sainz had several promising options for the 2023 season. One possibility was Sauber, set to transition to the Audi works team next year, a choice that aligned with his father Carlos Sainz Sr’s connection to the German car manufacturer. Another option included returning to the Red Bull fold, where he began his F1 journey with Toro Rosso (now Racing Bulls), potentially replacing Sergio Perez, who was underperforming.
Ultimately, Sainz opted for Williams, a team showing gradual progress but still facing difficulties this season. Currently, he sits 15th in the driver standings, having contributed only 13 points to Williams’ total of 59. His teammate Alex Albon has carried much of the scoring load, helping the team achieve fifth place in the constructors‘ championship, holding an 18-point lead over the rising Sauber team halfway through the season.
Sainz Wonders About the Missed Red Bull Partnership With Verstappen
Despite his position at Williams, Sainz has openly questioned why Red Bull did not select him to partner Max Verstappen, especially considering the second Red Bull car has struggled to deliver consistent points. Both Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, who have shared the seat this season, have been unable to match Verstappen’s extraordinary performance, contributing few points toward the team’s championship ambitions.
Reflecting on his relationship with Verstappen, Sainz told Motorsport during an episode of the High Performance podcast,
“The only thing I can say is I genuinely get on well with Max,”
—Carlos Sainz
He went on to explain,
“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 Formula 1.”
—Carlos Sainz
The duo have a history as teammates from their 2015 Toro Rosso days, where they maintained a competitive but respectful rivalry. Their positive relationship contrasts with the challenges Red Bull has faced getting reliable results from its second driver this year.
Evaluating Red Bull’s Decision on Their Second Driver Seat
Verstappen has contributed 165 of Red Bull’s 172 points this season, highlighting a glaring lack of support from the other car in their pursuit of the constructors’ championship. While Sainz identifies a strong rapport with Verstappen as a potential asset, Red Bull’s history suggests that internal harmony has rarely been the primary concern when choosing teammates. Verstappen’s previous partnerships have typically been cordial and professional.
The choice to go with Liam Lawson might have stemmed from Red Bull’s focus on promoting talent from within their extensive junior development system. Beyond Lawson and Tsunoda, drivers like Isack Hadjar, Ayumu Iwasa, Oliver Goethe, Arvid Lindblad, and Pepe Martí continue to rise through the ranks. With significant investment poured into nurturing these young drivers, the team likely aims to capitalize on their future potential at the Formula 1 level.
Could Sainz Have Stabilized Red Bull’s Performance Challenges?
However, the gamble on youth has yet to yield strong results this year. Lawson and Tsunoda combined have amassed just seven points in the second Red Bull car, leaving doubts about whether this strategy is delivering immediate benefits. Considering Sainz’s experience and consistent performance elsewhere, some speculate that he might have provided a more steady and competitive presence alongside Verstappen, perhaps securing additional points for the team.
Despite his own struggles at Williams, where he has not consistently matched his teammate’s point-scoring, Sainz raises a thought-provoking question about Red Bull’s approach. Could his presence have solved the team’s second seat difficulties and made them more competitive in the constructors‘ standings? The answer remains speculative, but it is clear that Red Bull’s decision has left room for debate as the season unfolds.