Carlos Sainz has expressed unwavering confidence in his ability to thrive as Max Verstappen’s teammate, a role that has proven daunting for many at Red Bull.
Reflecting on their time together at Toro Rosso in 2015, Sainz highlighted his ability to hold his own against the now four-time world champion, a feat few have managed since.
During their debut Formula 1 season, Sainz and Verstappen were closely matched, with the Spaniard showing resilience that has eluded most of Verstappen’s subsequent teammates at Red Bull.
Since Verstappen’s promotion to the senior team in 2016, drivers like Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Sergio Perez have struggled to match his pace, with only Daniel Ricciardo proving a consistent rival. The second Red Bull seat has gained a reputation as a pressure cooker, with current driver Yuki Tsunoda managing just seven points in the last 10 races.
Speaking on the High Performance podcast, Sainz dismissed concerns about the challenges of racing alongside Verstappen. “Everyone’s having a really tough time being Verstappen’s teammate,” he said. “But when I was Max’s teammate, I didn’t have this tough time. I was incredibly surprised with how quick he was, how he’s an insane driver.
“He’s probably going to go on to be one of the best ever in history, if he’s not already.”
Sainz credited his 2015 experience for building his confidence to compete against top talent. “That first year together has given me the confidence to know I can be up against anyone,” he added.
“I’ve been teammates with Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Nico Hulkenberg, and now Alex Albon, incredibly fast guys, probably the best in the sport. It makes me want to be up against the best still. I know I can take it, and I’ve been successful in the past.”
Meanwhile, Williams, Sainz’s current team, confirmed on X their focus on the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix, where Sainz and Albon aim to capitalize on the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
The Formula 1 season continues with the Belgian Grand Prix, a 44-lap battle around the 7.004-kilometer Spa-Francorchamps circuit, scheduled for Sunday, July 27. Fans are eager to see if Sainz’s confidence translates to performance on one of the calendar’s most demanding tracks.
