P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen were originally team-mates at Toro Rosso back in 2015 and early 2016.
Carlos Sainz rejected the notion of tension with Max Verstappen as a factor in Red Bull not choosing him for its second seat. Sergio Perez’s struggles have led to speculation about potential replacements, with Liam Lawson currently seen as the frontrunner. Despite being linked with Red Bull after leaving Ferrari, Sainz ultimately joined Williams instead. Helmut Marko suggested that past tension between Sainz and Verstappen influenced their decision, but Sainz believes they have matured since then. Sainz emphasized that at Toro Rosso, drivers are expected to compete fiercely, but his relationship with Max would not have been an issue for him to join Red Bull.
