Montoya’s explosive story on Verstappen & Sainz – Carlos Sainz Jr, one of the most sought-after drivers in the F1 2024 market, found himself at the centre of speculation following his departure from Ferrari. Among the many teams linked to the Spaniard, Red Bull Racing stood out, but it was not meant to be.
The intricate world of Formula 1 is as much about politics and strategy off the track as it is about speed and precision on it. Driver transfers, team dynamics and personal rivalries often shape the narrative as much as race results. As teams strive to maintain a competitive edge while balancing internal harmony, the decision-making processes surrounding driver line-ups are closely guarded yet endlessly debated.
These decisions not only set the direction of the teams, but also provide a window into the complex interplay of power and influence within the paddock.
The 2024 driver market has seen one of the most dramatic shake-ups in recent years, with high-profile moves reshaping the grid and fueling speculation about what might have been. Among them, Carlos Sainz Jr’s departure from Ferrari and subsequent journey through a whirlwind of possibilities has captivated fans and pundits alike.
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Montoya’s Explosive Theory on Verstappen and Sainz
Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya recently floated a controversial theory: Sainz’s move to Red Bull could have been blocked by none other than Max Verstappen.
Montoya’s claim hints at unresolved tensions between the two drivers dating back to their time together at Toro Rosso (now Racing Bulls) in 2015.
If true, it raises intriguing questions about driver dynamics, team politics and the extent of influence wielded by a dominant figure like Verstappen.
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Sainz’s exit from Ferrari: a shake-up in the driver market
The 2024 Formula One season has been marked by seismic shifts in the driver line-up, none more shocking than Lewis Hamilton’s announcement that he will join Ferrari for 2025. The seven-time world champion’s decision to join forces with Charles Leclerc left Carlos Sainz without a seat at Scuderia Ferrari.
For Sainz, Ferrari’s decision to let him go triggered a flurry of speculation about his future. Despite a commendable track record, including a victory in the 2022 British Grand Prix, Sainz faced an uncertain future. Rumours of a possible move to a number of teams swirled, including Red Bull Racing, where Sergio Pérez’s performance was under intense scrutiny.
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko even confirmed talks with Sainz, raising hopes of a possible reunion. Ultimately, however, Sainz opted to sign with Williams for mid-2024, preferring planning stability to prolonged uncertainty.
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Montoya’s bold claim: Verstappen’s role in blocking Sainz
In a recent interview, Juan Pablo Montoya suggested that Sainz’s chances of joining Red Bull were slim from the outset – not because of his ability, but because of Verstappen’s influence.
“I am sure that Max Verstappen would have prevented Sainz from coming to Red Bull so that the competition within the team would not be so difficult for him,” said Montoya.
The former F1 driver, who finished third in the 2002 and 2003 world championships, was alluding to Verstappen’s power over team decisions.
Montoya pointed to the rocky relationship between Sainz and Verstappen during their time as teammates at Toro Rosso in 2015.
“When they were colleagues, their relationship was pretty rocky. Carlos made his life quite difficult,” he added.
A rivalry reignited?
Sainz and Verstappen’s partnership at Toro Rosso was fraught with tension, both on and off the track. The two young talents, then aged 20 and 17, were fiercely competitive, battling not only for supremacy on the track but also for recognition within the Red Bull driver programme.
Years later, in an interview with *Corriere della Sera*, Sainz played down their turbulent past: “We were 17 and 20 years old, we were immature.”
Montoya, however, believes the rivalry still lingers in Verstappen’s mind.
“If you can control who sits next to you in the other car, like Max does, you wouldn’t shoot yourself in the foot, would you?” Montoya asked.
“It’s not that Max is afraid of Sainz – he’s smart. Why make life unnecessarily difficult?”
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Red Bull perspective: Horner speaks out
Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner recently shed some light on the decision not to pursue Sainz.
Speaking to *motorsport-magazin.com*, Horner explained, “Carlos was no longer a junior driver and we tend to focus on developing talent from within our programme.”
Despite ruling out a 2025 partnership, Horner left the door open for future collaboration: “We are keeping our options open with him for the future.”
Instead of Sainz, Red Bull have chosen Liam Lawson as Verstappen’s new team-mate for 2025. The young New Zealander, a product of Red Bull’s junior programme, has impressed with his adaptability and performance in his limited F1 outings.
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Sainz’s next chapter: Williams and the road ahead
Sainz’s decision to join Williams for 2025 may have taken some by surprise, but it represents a strategic move for both driver and team.
Along with Alex Albon, Sainz brings experience and consistency to Williams, which has been on an upward trajectory under new management.
For Sainz, Williams offers an opportunity to rebuild and potentially spearhead the team’s resurgence. The spotlight may have shifted from the glamour of Ferrari and the power of Red Bull, but the Spaniard’s determination to succeed remains unwavering.
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The bigger picture: Verstappen’s influence & team politics
Montoya’s theory underlines the wider dynamics at play in F1. As a four-time world champion, Verstappen wields considerable influence within Red Bull. His dominance on the track has translated into considerable influence off it, particularly in decisions concerning his teammates.
While Red Bull claim that team harmony and performance drive their decisions, Verstappen’s preferences undoubtedly carry weight. For a team seeking to reclaim the constructors’ title, balancing internal politics with on-track performance is a delicate act.
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A theory sparking debate
Montoya’s explosive claim that Verstappen is blocking Sainz’s move to Red Bull adds an intriguing layer to the 2024 driver market drama.
Whether or not the Colombian’s theory has merit, it highlights the complexities of F1 team dynamics, where talent alone isn’t always enough to secure a seat.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Sainz fares with Williams and how Verstappen navigates his partnership with Liam Lawson. One thing is certain: the echoes of past rivalries, and the decisions that shaped them, will reverberate around the paddock for years to come.
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“I won’t change my style”: Max Verstappen’s defiant response to penalty threat as a big storm brews over penalty points – Max Verstappen, the reigning king of Formula One, is under increasing scrutiny as his penalty point tally creeps dangerously close to the limit. The Dutchman now has eight penalty points on his record. Just three more and he could face an automatic one-race suspension – a rare and severe consequence for a driver of his stature.
But Verstappen is unfazed. In a recent interview with Swiss newspaper *Blick*, the 27-year-old Red Bull driver shrugged off the concerns with characteristic confidence.
“Well, we could talk for hours about some of the penalties and the points,” Verstappen said, shrugging off the situation. “But that’s not why I’m going to change my driving style.”
This bold stance underlines the mindset of a four-time world champion who has consistently prioritised aggressive, high-stakes driving. But with the new F1 season just around the corner, Verstappen’s approach could have unintended consequences…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
