Carlos Sainz Makes Massive Max Verstappen Revelation
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Williams driver Carlos Sainz Jr. made an appearance on a major podcast and opened up on his relationship with former teammate Max Verstappen.
Sainz and Verstappen were both brought up through the Red Bull junior program and secured their first Formula 1 seats at the same team - Toro Rosso.
Now known as Racing Bulls, Toro Rosso was Red Bull Racing's junior team, which became responsible for the development of young, promising drivers.
Sainz raced for the team for one season, eventually leaving the Red Bull family to join Renault, while Verstappen received the promotion to the senior Red Bull team.
Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Carlos Sainz Jr of Spain and Scuderia Ferrari in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos...
Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Carlos Sainz Jr of Spain and Scuderia Ferrari in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 26, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico. More
Photo byDuring an appearance on the High Performance Podcast, Sainz highlighted his competitiveness in terms of pace related to Verstappen.
"I think everyone is having a really tough time being Max's teammate," Sainz said on the podcast.
"I can only say that when I was Max's teammate, I didn't have this tough time. I was obviously incredibly surprised by how quick he was. I mean, he's an insane driver.
"He's probably going to become 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 go up against anyone."
During their time as teammates, several reports indicated a rift between Sainz and Verstappen, primarily stemming from a reported clash between their fathers.
When Sainz became a free agent on the driver market, people around the paddock ruled out the Spanish driver becoming Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull.
Sainz revealed how competitive it was between him and the four-time World Champion.
"I remember so many things from that year that were so intense. I think at the time, Max was 16, 17, we had the mentality to deal with that level of intensity, but I remember not the level of pressure, the level of detail we were looking at things," he said on the podcast.
"Every session, every FP1, we were going for it like crazy! Like, for me, FP1 was qualifying.
"I wanted to beat him in every FP1, every FP2, every FP3. I remember we were both really quick in the wet; we both had been really good in the wet in previous categories.
"So, it was like, who is quicker in the wet in Formula 1. And FP1 in Suzuka, full wets, go out on intermediates tyres, aquaplaning like crazy, just to try and show in the first wet session of my life in Formula 1, without knowing the track, I was quicker than Max, and vice versa.
"I took the risks I shouldn't have taken. It was honestly exhausting. That level of pressure builds you. I wouldn't change it, I would still do it all over again."
He never joined Red Bull, but he claims to be happy and appreciated at Williams.
Sainz also clarified that his relationship with Verstappen is in a good place, and they get along well with each other.
For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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