P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Carlos Sainz’s dream of making it to F1 was nearly over before they started after a Red Bull ultimatum.
Carlos Sainz shared how Red Bull issued an ultimatum threatening the end of his F1 aspirations if he didn’t win a junior series title in 2014. After joining Red Bull’s junior program in 2010, Sainz had to prove himself by driving F1 cars in the young driver test at Silverstone and meeting their expectations. Facing the possibility of losing Red Bull’s support, he competed in Formula Renault 3.5 in 2014 and emerged victorious, securing a Toro Rosso F1 seat for the following season alongside Max Verstappen. Sainz reflected on the pressure he felt back then and credited his dad, a former world champion, for guiding him to success and helping him achieve his F1 dream. Had it not been for his father’s support and his triumph in Formula Renault 3.5, Sainz believes he wouldn’t have reached the position he holds in Formula 1 today.
