Max Verstappen “Stopped Carlos Sainz from Coming to Red Bull”: A Smart, Not Scared, Move?

In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, where every decision can make or break a career, Max Verstappen’s influence at Red Bull Racing continues to grow. The latest bombshell? Verstappen reportedly prevented Carlos Sainz from joining him at Red Bull for the 2025 season. But was this move a sign of strategic brilliance, or is it a case of Verstappen being scared of Sainz’s rise? Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has some thoughts on the matter, calling Verstappen’s actions “smart” rather than “scared,” and his reasoning might just surprise you.

Sainz as Verstappen’s Team-Mate? The Idea That Never Was

As the 2024 season rumbled on, there was growing speculation about the future of Sergio Perez at Red Bull, with whispers about Carlos Sainz potentially stepping into the seat. When Lewis Hamilton was linked to a 2025 move to Ferrari, the door to Red Bull seemed wide open for Sainz. But instead of joining Verstappen at the world’s most dominant team, Sainz shocked the F1 world by signing a multi-year contract with Williams, leaving Red Bull fans and pundits alike scratching their heads.

And what about Liam Lawson? The young Kiwi was promoted to partner Verstappen for the 2025 season, leading to even more questions about the Sainz saga. If Sainz was so close to landing a top-tier seat, why did Red Bull make the switch?

Montoya Weighs In: Verstappen’s Control Over Team Dynamics

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya isn’t one to mince words. He’s given his take on Verstappen’s decision, and it’s a masterclass in F1 politics. According to Montoya, Verstappen isn’t scared of Sainz—he’s simply being strategically smart. Verstappen, who now has undeniable power within Red Bull, controls the decision-making process when it comes to his teammate. Montoya suggests that Verstappen made sure that Sainz wouldn’t join Red Bull—not out of fear, but because he’s not interested in stirring up unnecessary drama within the team.

“The relationship between Verstappen and Sainz during their time at Toro Rosso was anything but smooth. It was bumpy, to say the least. I’m sure Max wouldn’t want to deal with that again,” Montoya explained. “It’s not about being scared—it’s about being smart. Why create unnecessary difficulties?”

A History of Tension: Verstappen and Sainz’s Toro Rosso Days

The history between Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz stretches back to their time as teammates at Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri). While both drivers have since moved on to different teams, their rivalry during those early days in F1 has left a bitter taste. The two fought for Red Bull’s attention, with Verstappen ultimately earning the promotion to Red Bull Racing, while Sainz found himself bouncing around the grid, struggling to get his breakthrough.

It’s no secret that the relationship between Verstappen and Sainz was contentious, with the tension growing as they each tried to outdo the other. While Verstappen’s rise to fame was rapid, Sainz remained in Verstappen’s shadow, something that undoubtedly fueled their rivalry. Their time together at Toro Rosso was marred by friction, with Sainz recently reflecting on how the team management played a key role in exacerbating the situation.

Sainz’s Take: Blaming Toro Rosso for the Rivalry

Carlos Sainz has never been shy about discussing his tumultuous past with Max Verstappen. Recently, the Ferrari driver shared his thoughts on the tense dynamic between the two during their Toro Rosso days. Sainz pointed the finger at the team itself, stating that Toro Rosso fostered a toxic rivalry by pushing both drivers to compete for the same seat in Red Bull Racing.

“They wanted at all costs to create dualism as a selection to go to Red Bull,” Sainz told Corriere della Sera. “It was clear that both Max and I were constantly competing for the same seat. The team made it a battle, and that created a lot of tension.”

Sainz’s words shed light on the underlying issues at Toro Rosso that not only impacted his relationship with Verstappen but also affected his career trajectory. It’s no surprise that Verstappen, now in a position of power at Red Bull, would want to avoid the unnecessary drama that could arise from having Sainz as a teammate again.

The Power Play: Why Verstappen Didn’t Want Sainz Back

Verstappen’s refusal to accept Sainz as a potential teammate at Red Bull goes beyond personal rivalry. It’s a power move that reflects Verstappen’s growing stature within Red Bull. As the team’s star driver, Verstappen now controls the team’s internal dynamics. With his dominance in the sport, Verstappen doesn’t need any additional distractions or challenges from a driver like Sainz, who has proven he’s capable of pushing Verstappen’s buttons.

Verstappen’s ability to strategically dictate his teammates is something that many F1 drivers dream of, and he’s making full use of it. If Verstappen feels that a potential teammate could bring tension to the team, he has every right to make sure that driver doesn’t land the job. After all, the goal is to maximize performance and avoid any disruptions that could hinder the team’s chances of retaining the Constructors’ Championship.

Red Bull’s 2025 Lineup: Verstappen and Lawson

Instead of Sainz, Red Bull opted for Liam Lawson as Verstappen’s 2025 teammate. Lawson, a talented young driver from New Zealand, has impressed during his stint with AlphaTauri, and his promotion to Red Bull Racing signals the team’s commitment to developing future talent. Verstappen and Lawson may not have the same history as Verstappen and Sainz, but they share a mutual respect that could lead to a much smoother working relationship.

The decision to go with Lawson instead of Sainz is indicative of Red Bull’s long-term vision. While Sainz is a proven driver, Lawson represents the future of the team, and Verstappen’s influence is likely to ensure that the team’s 2025 lineup is one that will foster harmony and unparalleled success.

Conclusion: Smart, Not Scared

In the high-pressure world of Formula 1, every decision is made with the goal of maximizing performance and success. Max Verstappen’s decision to prevent Carlos Sainz from joining Red Bull was a smart move—not a scared one. By keeping a teammate with a contentious history out of the picture, Verstappen ensures that the team remains focused on achieving its goals without the distractions of past rivalries.

As the 2025 season draws closer, the real question is whether Sainz will regret missing out on the Red Bull seat or if Lawson will rise to the occasion and deliver for Verstappen and Red Bull Racing. Either way, it’s clear that Verstappen’s influence at Red Bull is stronger than ever, and his decision-making is shaping the future of the team.