Carlos Sainz admits he “did not understand” why Red Bull opted not to sign him for the 2025 F1 season amid rumoured tension between the Spaniard and Max Verstappen. Spanish driver Sainz was initially without a seat for this year after Lewis Hamilton joined Ferrari, and eventually moved to Williams to partner Alex Albon.

The Williams driver raced alongside Max Verstappen at Toro Rosso in 2015, but was passed up for a move to Red Bull after he was dropped by Ferrari for 2025

Sainz begans his F1 career with Red Bull’s junior team Toro Rosso (now VCARB) in 2015, paired alongside Max Verstappen in what quickly became one of the sport’s fiercest rookie rivalries. Although their relationship as teammates was intense, Sainz insisted it was a “healthy rivalry” and that it has significantly improved since.