Carlos Sainz has spoken out about the decision to promote Max Verstappen to Red Bull, admitting it was hard to take.
The Spaniard was largely the forgotten man in the midst of the Verstappen/ Kvyat swap after the Russian Grand Prix, with much of the sympathy aimed the 22-year-old.
However, Sainz said watching the then 18-year-old get the nod had both a negative and positive impact on him.
“I tried to show a lot of strength but it was a difficult moment obviously because you don’t like being overlooked by someone,” he told Autosport.
“People talked about how difficult it was for Kyvat but thought it was easy for me also.
“[But] it was a difficult moment for me, I had to react and I had to suddenly take the attention of Red Bull.”
Sainz would use those negative vibes and become one of the stars of the season as he proved his worth. The performances he would produce would not surprise everyone, however, as many people believed his talent was being hidden alongside the Dutchman.
“My best three races in Formula 1 came directly after that,” he added, “and a contract arrived in Baku and I signed it immediately.”
Such has been the Spaniard’s form throughout 2016, he may even have a little regret at signing a new contract so eagerly with an offer from Renault turned away by Red Bull and Sainz is even believed to be as high as third on Mercedes’ list of potential Nico Rosberg replacements.
The year didn’t end quite as well as it could, as Toro Rosso struggled with an underpowered 2015 Ferrari power unit in the second half of the season, but after Russia, Sainz would score six top 9 finishes in seven races putting him 10th in the Drivers’ championship heading into the summer break.
“It was a big turning point and a good reaction to a very tricky situation,” he said.
“It would have been quite tricky for me suddenly to do not such a good job against Kvyat.
“It could have put my F1 career in a tricky situation so I was under a lot of pressure and I performed at my best level.
“I was under a lot of pressure but suddenly everything went perfect from then onwards in the season so it was a good moment and something that I’m very proud of.”
