Carlos Sainz Sr reveals missed Max Verstappen rivalry for Sainz Jr

Carlos Sainz Sr recently spoke about the path his son, Carlos Sainz Jr, has taken in Formula 1 and the big opportunities that have shaped his career. After Lewis Hamilton announced the switch from Mercedes to Ferrari in early 2024, Sainz Jr quickly needed to secure a new team for the upcoming 2025 season.

The Spanish driver attracted major attention across the paddock, with many expecting him to fill some of the most high-profile seats available. Early rumors connected Sainz Jr to Hamilton’s old spot at Mercedes, but speculation also placed him as a strong contender for a Red Bull drive, especially as questions grew about Sergio Perez’s future with the team.

Despite these possibilities, Sainz Jr committed to Williams, confirming his new deal before the end of the season. Williams entered 2025 in strong form, securing 54 points across the first nine races—its best start since the 2017 season.

Sainz Jr joined the iconic British team, which has consistently shown faith in its drivers during this period of rebuilding. Carlos Sainz Sr, a respected motorsport figure and potential FIA presidential candidate, reflected on these choices and voiced genuine regret about a potential Red Bull move that never became a reality.

He mentioned that Ferrari is one of the sport’s historic giants and leaving the team was not easy, but that circumstances sometimes force a driver’s hand when contracts and changes happen quickly.

Sainz Sr credited Red Bull for providing his son with the first big chance in Formula 1, supporting his career from a young age. He said that lining up alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull would have created one of the most competitive driver lineups on the grid.

Sainz Sr believes his son would have been ready for the challenge and might have enjoyed racing against Verstappen in equal machinery. According to Sainz Sr, this was a realistic opportunity that slipped away as team decisions were made and driver contracts were secured earlier than expected.

While some fans had predicted a Sainz-Verstappen partnership, Red Bull made unexpected choices for its 2025 lineup after initially extending Perez’s contract, then later changing course after the season finished. By then, Sainz Jr was already locked in with Williams.

He heads into 2025 as one of F1’s proven race winners, bringing experience and determination to a team eager for progress. With top teams like McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull capturing most of the points, Williams’ quick start remains notable for the season standings, and Sainz Jr’s new chapter with them is watched closely by supporters and analysts.

Elsewhere in F1, discussion swirls around the recent Spanish Grand Prix, where a dramatic collision between Max Verstappen and George Russell became a major talking point. Lewis Hamilton’s adjustment to life at Ferrari is also being watched as he compares performance differences between his new car and his years spent with Mercedes.

At the same time, other drivers such as Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda are making headlines as they fight for results and look to prove themselves with their respective teams.

Formula 1 continues with its action-packed schedule. The Canadian Grand Prix takes place on June 15, followed by the races in Austria, Britain, Belgium, and Hungary across the summer.

Fans are following every development as the 2025 season unfolds, with changes in the driver market adding excitement and unpredictability to the sport. As for Carlos Sainz Jr, his journey with Williams and what could have been at Red Bull remain key stories as the racing year advances. For more insight into the pressures young drivers face, see Sainz’s reflections on F1 Monaco.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.