Karun Chandhok sends ‘get over it’ message to Max Verstappen over stance on partnering Carlos Sainz

Follow us on Google Discover

Max Verstappen started his Formula 1 career alongside Carlos Sainz back in 2015. They were both products of the Red Bull driver academy.

They raced together at junior team Toro Rosso, now known as RB. Verstappen won the race day battle 11-8 but that translated to a big advantage in the championship (49 vs 18).

Impressively, given how Verstappen has demolished his teammate in recent years, Sainz had the edge in qualifying. He prevailed 10-9 over the season.

However, the partnership didn’t last long, with Verstappen earning a promotion to Red Bull after just four races in 2016. That would have hurt Sainz, who partnered the demoted Daniil Kvyat at Toro Rosso.

The Spaniard eventually left himself to join Renault, but earlier this year, a reunion with Verstappen seemed possible. Sergio Perez has been underperforming for an extended period, prompting Red Bull to consider possible replacements.

However, Christian Horner decided against signing Sainz when he became available following Ferrari’s move for Lewis Hamilton. He was wary of reigniting his tense relationship with the Verstappen camp.

Karun Chandhok tells Max Verstappen camp to drop Carlos Sainz grievances

At this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the Red Bull team boss was seen visiting the Williams hospitality. The theory is that Horner spoke to James Vowles about Franco Colapinto.

However, Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok has urged him to pursue Sainz instead. The four-time race-winner has already signed a deal with Williams for 2025 and beyond.

Chandhok believes there is a ‘price’ Vowles will accept. And Red Bull need ‘two drivers scoring’ after falling to third in the constructors’ championship, largely down to Perez’s underperformance.

As for Verstappen’s potential opposition, Chandhok says there’s no reason to hold grudges. The Dutchman’s long-term future at the team is in doubt, so Horner can’t plan around that regardless.

Chandhok wrote on X: “Hmm… If I was Horner, I would be negotiating a price to get Sainz into the big team & let Williams keep Colapinto. Yes yes, the Max camp apparently don’t want him but it’s been a decade since they were team mates (get over it!) & this year has shown they need 2 drivers scoring.”

Christian Horner held talks with Williams over Carlos Sainz, not Franco Colapinto

One report claims that Red Bull may already have heeded Chandhok’s advice. Argentine journalists have heard that Horner negotiated ‘for Carlos Sainz’, not Colapinto.

That would mean Colapinto staying at Williams alongside Alex Albon. While Vowles was hugely excited about his A-list signing, the youngster would be an excellent backup plan.

The consensus within the paddock is that Sainz is too good to be driving for a team who have only scored 17 points this season. The 30-year-old has now finished on the podium 25 times during his career.

Damon Hill feels Ferrari had non-sporting reasons to drop Sainz in favour of Hamilton. He ‘sadly’ can’t compete with the seven-time world champion when it comes to marketing value.