Latest news with #Sainz
Newsweek
a day ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Carlos Sainz Makes Massive Max Verstappen Revelation
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. 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.
Metro
a day ago
- Automotive
- Metro
F1 star criticises Christian Horner decision after Red Bull snub
Carlos Sainz says he 'doesn't understand' why Red Bull and Christian Horner didn't sign him to partner Max Verstappen for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Last year, after it was announced that Sir Lewis Hamilton would be taking his seat at Ferrari, Sainz was looking to join a new team and had become a very desirable target. The four-time race winner was heavily-linked with a sensational return to Red Bull having come through their academy and made his debut at junior team Toro Rosso, alongside Verstappen, in 2015. While the move was backed by many pundits and fans, then-team principal Horner decided to extend the contract of Sergio Perez, leading Sainz to sign for Williams. It was thought that tension between the Verstappen and Sainz camps had been a factor in the decision, but the Spaniard claims that is not the case, telling the High Performance podcast: 'The only thing I can say is I genuinely get on well with Max. 'This is what people don't see from the outside. We had a rivalry in our first year in Formula 1 in Toro Rosso, but it was a relatively healthy rivalry in terms of him and me, the way we used to go about racing. And now we get on really well. '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. 'If the opportunity had come, I probably would have taken it.' The decision backfired on Horner as Perez's performances slumped, costing Red Bull the constructors' championship, with the Mexican subsequently sacked and replaced by Liam Lawson. Lawson in turn was axed after just two races this year and his replacement Yuki Tsunoda has also struggled, with Red Bull, so dominant just a few years ago, looking likely to finish fourth in the standings this year. The results on the track, as well as issues off it, cost Horner his job, with Red Bull 'relieving him of operational duties' shortly after the British Grand Prix a few weeks ago. Finding a teammate who can get close to four-time champion Verstappen's performances has been a major issue for the F1 giants since Daniel Ricciardo left in 2018. Sainz was beaten by the Dutchman in their only season together, when they were both rookies, but the 30-year-old has always been highly-rated, impressing during his time at Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren and Ferrari. 'I think everyone's having a really tough time being Max's team-mate. I can only say that when I was Max's team-mate, I didn't have this tough time,' he added. 'I was obviously incredibly surprised with how quick he was, with how he's an insane driver. I mean, he's going to go out to be one of the best ever in history, if he's not already one. More Trending 'But that first year together, since then, has given me the confidence to know I can be up against anyone. I've been team-mates with Charles Leclerc, with Lando Norris, with Nico Hulkenberg, very quick guys, and probably the best in the sport. 'Now Alex Albon is incredibly fast also, and it just makes me want to be up against the best still. I know I can take it, and I know I've been successful in the past.' Sainz is admittedly having a tough time this season as he adapts to Williams, with just 13 points from 12 races, compared to teammate Albon who has 46. He'll have a chance to climb up the standings this weekend when F1 heads to Spa for the Belgian Grand Prix. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Inside Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell's sprawling countryside homes with mini farm MORE: Ferrari's stance on hiring Christian Horner after Red Bull sacking MORE: How much did Christian Horner make as Red Bull chief before dismissal?
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Carlos Sainz reveals what Ferrari didn't tell him about Lewis Hamilton before Mercedes talks
Carlos Sainz was suddenly dropped by Ferrari as they announced the signing of Lewis Hamilton in February 2024, with the Spaniard blindsided and left lacking an explanation Carlos Sainz has revealed that Ferrari didn't explain why when they told him he would be replaced by Lewis Hamilton. The Formula One world was rocked in February 2024 when it emerged that the seven-time world champion would be joining the iconic Italian team, partnering up with Charles Leclerc. Sainz, who was caught completely off guard by the announcement, had been under the impression that his future at Maranello was secure. The Spanish driver, 30, was in the midst of contract renewal talks, with his deal set to run out after the 2024 season. He finished the season with the Scuderia before joining Williams for the current 2025 campaign, while Hamilton bid farewell to Mercedes, where he had enjoyed the most successful driver-team partnership in F1 history. Sainz has now opened up about the shocking moment he was told of Fred Vasseur's decision over a phone call, voicing his disbelief and noting the lack of answers he was given by the team regarding his axing. He explained on the High Performance Podcast: 'I received a phone call and I suddenly received the news. I was completely shocked. I went from believing I was going to be in Ferrari for a while to, 'What am I going to do now?' "It never occurred to me that that could happen.' When asked whether they gave him any reasons, he added: 'No, not really. There weren't many reasons. "I'm not going to go a lot into the detail of those conversations but I was like, 'Okay now it's my time to shine and to prove to everyone what I'm worth. It's the most important moment of my life now.' 'I went into that late February and March period with the mentality of I'm just going to go for it. That gave me a bit of a kick and I think it made me a better driver.' Sainz's previous season had ended in a disappointing seventh placed finish in the drivers' championship, which may have been one reason for Ferrari reconsidering his future. Sainz then entered talks with Sauber, Alpine and even Mercedes, potentially replacing Hamilton in a dramatic swap. But despite lengthy discussions with Toto Wolff, he admits it was never a serious possibility. Asked whether he was on the verge of securing a contract offer, he said: 'Not really. We spoke a lot with Toto and everyone else at the time and I was certainly one of the options that was considered. But how close was I? You can ask Toto that. But I think he is very happy with Kimi Antonelli.' Both Sainz and Hamilton have faced challenges adapting to their new teams this season. Despite being halfway through the campaign, Hamilton is yet to clinch a podium finish and sits sixth in the standings, while Sainz finds himself in a disappointing 15th place.
Newsweek
29-06-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Carlos Sainz Breaks Silence on Scary Brake Fire Incident in Austrian GP
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Williams Racing driver Carlos Sainz has opened up on the brake fire incident that caused him to retire from the Austrian Grand Prix before it even started. This follows Sainz's complaints about the brakes on the previous day in qualifying, when he declared the car was undriveable. The poor qualifying caused the Spaniard to start the race from P19. Unfortunately, he was unable to get his FW47 F1 car going in the formation lap until the yellow flags were waved. Once he set off, Sainz returned to the pit lane, only to find the rear brakes of his car on fire. Fortunately, the team was able to douse the flames in time. Sainz's car was then taken into the garage, resulting in a DNS at the Austrian GP. Describing the problem, the 30-year-old driver suggested that the rear brakes on his car had engaged, which prevented him from setting off in the formation lap. He told the media: Carlos Sainz Jr of Spain and Williams speaks of disappointment in the media pen during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 28, 2025 in Spielberg,... Carlos Sainz Jr of Spain and Williams speaks of disappointment in the media pen during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 28, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria. More"Well, we have to see if there is some kind of relationship between yesterday and today. The fact is that another problem that we have to see exactly what could have happened. The car was braked from behind when I started the engine, and I could not move. "I managed to reset it, I did a lap, and it stopped again from the back and we had to retire. But yes, many things are happening to us lately. The truth is that this first half of the year is being a little heavy in that sense because things keep happening to us, but at some point, all this bad luck will end, and things will start to work out." Things have gone from bad to worse for Carlos 😩 He won't start the race ❌#F1 #AustrianGP — Formula 1 (@F1) June 29, 2025 Sainz's teammate Alex Albon also ended his race before the chequered flag fell. Williams had to call him back into the garage and retire the car, which marked his third consecutive DNF. The outfit is unsure about the root cause of the problem and has launched an investigation to prevent a similar incident. Related: Williams Launches Investigation Following Double DNF in Austrian GP Addressing the problems that plagued his and Albon's FW47, Sainz added: "As a team also now we have had a problem with Alex, by the looks of it. So we have to find out why we are having so many problems both in qualifying and in the race. Because it's already several weekends that we have brake problems, engine problems, overheating. Sometimes we are a little bit weak in that sense." Describing the Austrian GP as a disastrous race weekend, Sainz said: "Yes, very poor, really. All weekend with problems, and now both cars are out. It's a bit of a disastrous weekend for us, but we have to grit our teeth and see how we can improve."
eNCA
29-06-2025
- Automotive
- eNCA
Austrian GP delayed after Sainz' Williams catches fire
The start of Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix was aborted and delayed by 10 minutes after Carlos Sainz was unable to leave the grid in his Williams for the formation lap. After taking a push from the marshals, the Spanish driver chased after the rest of the field and was set to start from the pit-lane until his rear brakes caught fire. The race distance was reduced by one lap to 70 laps. Sainz's car was beyond rapid repair and he was forced to withdraw from the race. The conditions for the race were hot with air temperatures touching 32 degrees Celsius and the track temperature recorded at 54 degrees. "I cannot tell you the temperature of the seat," said two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin as he waited for the re-start.
