F1 News
Sainz undervalued: 'From Verstappen's Red Bull shade to racing for Ferrari'
In 2016, Carlos Sainz was passed up on a promotion to Red Bull Racing in favour of Max Verstappen, leaving him in the "shadow" momentarily. However, the Spaniard kept pressing on and managed to build himself quite a career in F1. His father, Carlos Sainz sr. claims he knows how his 'undervalued' son did this, because "he keeps improving every year."
In 2015 Sainz made his F1 debut racing for Toro Rosso, where he duelled with Max Verstappen for a promotion to Red Bull Racing, a battle he eventually lost to the Dutchman. "I don't think it's given to him, the value and the quality that he has. He also coincides with a given moment with Verstappen. It is a moment when Red Bull chooses Verstappen. He stays a little in the shade," said Carlos Sainz sr. in conversation with Josep Pedrerol in El Cafelito.
Sainz Jr. however, did not let that setback, which has proven to be a fatal blow to the career of other aspiring F1 stars -a Red Bull rejection- define his F1 future. He managed to climb his way up the order reaching F1's most iconic team. "Then he ends up driving for Ferrari, which is not easy, imagine being a Ferrari driver, driving for McLaren," added the former Dakar Rally champion.
'Carlos' best is yet to come'
Early on, in 2024, before the season had even begun, it was announced Sainz Jr. would be replaced at the end of the year by seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton. Will the #55, now Williams driver, come back from the shadows yet again?
"I think Carlos' best version is still to come. That's my feeling. He's a driver who takes the steps and gives the feeling that every year he brings out his best version. There are drivers who arrive very quickly, give it all and then they go. Carlos keeps improving every year," concluded Sainz sr.
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