May 23 (GMM) Carlos Sainz senior thinks his son would have jumped at the chance to serve once again as Max Verstappen’s teammate.
That is despite the fact that one of the men who knew the great Ayrton Senna the best – Gerhard Berger – thinks even the iconic Brazilian was not as good as Verstappen is today.
“For a long time, I thought Ayrton was the best driver of all time,” the Austrian told Auto Bild. “Now I believe Max Verstappen is even better than him.
“Max has skills I’ve never seen before.”
Sainz, 30, was turned down not only by Red Bull but also Mercedes when he lost his Ferrari seat last year, instead settling for a midfield cockpit at Williams for 2025.
The Spaniard has already shown signs of frustration this year, but his father Sainz senior told Kronen Zeitung newspaper: “He is happy at Williams now.
“There is a team behind him that trusts and respects him.”
However, 63-year-old rally legend and potential FIA presidential candidate Sainz senior added: “Of course, Ferrari is one of the best teams in Formula 1.
“We were sad, naturally. It was quite unexpected. But that’s life.
“Sometimes you are lucky and get a contract and sometimes you have to leave,” he added.
Red Bull actually brought Sainz into Formula 1 a decade ago with the junior Toro Rosso team – with fellow rookie Verstappen as his teammate.
It is believed Red Bull baulked at the idea of reuniting the pair this year as they prefer a teammate structure that has Verstappen as the obvious ‘number 1′.
Nonetheless, Sainz senior admitted: “I would have liked to see him next to Max in the Red Bull. I’m sure he would have loved that challenge.
“Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. You could ask Carlos yourself. He might say no to you, but I think he would also like to be driving for Red Bull.”
Sainz jr has publicly questioned Williams’ operations and race strategies after both of the two most recent races in Miami and Imola. However, he is relishing the fact that Williams and Ferrari are often now racing wheel-to-wheel.
“I knew I was arriving at a team that had the potential to one day reach the level of Ferrari,” he told RTBF in Monaco. “Otherwise I wouldn’t have come.
“But it’s definitely happening sooner than expected. I also understand that I can make a difference when I ask for certain things to improve the car,” Sainz added. “This gives me a lot of confidence because I see that I have the potential to guide the team in the right direction.”
The Indianapolis 500 is an American tradition, and the 2026 race marks the 110th year of this historic event. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will enjoy premium accommodations, options for exclusive suite access, and unforgettable race-day experiences, including a police escort to the track. Highlights include visits to the newly renovated Indy 500 Museum, Gasoline Alley, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory, plus patriotic pre-race festivities like the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Join us for our 41st trip to the legendary Indy 500!
SHOW PACKAGES
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, a fan favorite on the F1 calendar. The city comes alive for race week packed with energy, events, and unforgettable nightlife. This year, the action shifts to Memorial Day weekend (late May), part of F1’s new, eco-friendly schedule. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the atmosphere where motorsport meets Montreal magic. Book your spot now this one sells out fast!
SHOW PACKAGES