Carlos Sainz admits he can understand why some drivers might be “intimidated” as a teammate to Max Verstappen.
The Dutchman became the lead driver at Red Bull this season following the departure of Daniel Ricciardo, with his replacement Pierre Gasly lasting just 12 races as he struggled to establish himself at the team.
But Sainz, who had his own reported run-ins with Verstappen when they raced together at Toro Rosso, began by claiming that period was one of the more beneficial of his career.
“He is very quick, it’s no secret he is one of the most talented, quickest best racers in F1, in the world,” he said.
“Only thing I can say is I enjoyed battling it a lot, battling such a good and quick drive actually made me the better driver that I am today, so for me, if there was just the possibility to share a team with him again I would.”
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However: “I can see why going up against Verstappen would intimidate some people,” he continued.
“I’ve already gone through it and survived pretty well, but at the same time, F1 drivers, we are so confident in ourselves, we all believe we are the best.
“So we have that belief that no one should really scare you, but when you are younger it intimidates you a bit more.”
When asked then if he felt “lucky to survive” his stint alongside Max with his career still on track, Sainz believes that actually, it was his performance versus the 21-year-old that got him where he is now at McLaren.
“Yeah, I think I did better than only survive. I too proved myself in F1 that year, it was a very important year in my career,” he said.
“Rather than just survived through the Red Bull program. I think I earned a bit more than just survival.
“I enjoyed it, honestly that year I have really good memories. From time to time I talk about it during the driver’s parade and we have a good laugh.”