Max Verstappen candidly discusses ‘toxic’ dynamics with prospective new Red Bull F1 team-mate

Until now, Max Verstappen’s interactions with his teammates have not been as harmonious and supportive compared to other teams. This is primarily due to Verstappen’s exceptional driving skills on the track, which tend to exert more pressure on his fellow drivers as usual.

However, an interesting piece of information has been revealed: Verstappen has a particularly intense and strained relationship with the Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz, and this rift has yet to be resolved.

Verstappen discusses his ‘toxic’ friendship with prospective teammate

Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz’s history can be traced back to 2015, when the duo raced together for Toro Ross, before Verstappen got the golden opportunity to join the main Red Bull team, unlike Sainz, who stayed with the team until the end of the 2017 season, when he left for Renault.

Even though he was the younger driver, the Dutch driver had easily secured 49 points, 31 points ahead of the Spaniard.

This had fuelled a raging rivalry between the two, as noticed by the Red Bull team advisor, Helmut Marko. He said, “It was his bad luck to get Max as a teammate. The atmosphere between the two at Toro Rosso was quite toxic. In the set-up we had at the time, I couldn’t see a way of keeping him with us, so he moved to Renault, McLaren, and then on to Ferrari.”

Who will be Max Verstappen’s next partner in 2024?

There have been ongoing speculations of several drivers being linked with the three-time World Champion as potential partners in the 2024 season. Earlier in the previous season, there have been numerous rumors heard about Sergio Perez getting replaced with other drivers before the conclusion of the season.

However, Christian Horner has already addressed the rumours by clearly stating that they have no intention of dismissing the Mexican driver until the conclusion of the 2024 season.

Daniel Ricciardo has also been strongly associated with the team, considering his current close relationship with the team principal. After the conclusion of the 2023 season, it was noted that the pair was also observed enjoying time together in the company of their loving partners as well.

When Verstappen was asked about his preference for his future teammate, he said “I always had a great relationship with Daniel when we were team-mates, when of course we weren’t,”

“But at the same time also I have a great relationship with Checo so I find it a bit unfair to now sit here and say who I would prefer as a team-mate.”

Who do you think is most likely to be Verstappen’s partner in the upcoming season? Let us know in the comment section below.