Sainz Frustrated by Toro Rosso Strategy in Hungary
Carlos Sainz said he was left angry after Toro Rosso handed Max Verstappen the preferred pitstop strategy at the 2015 Hungarian Grand Prix, costing Sainz track position.
Carlos Sainz revealed his frustration with Toro Rosso following the 2015 Hungarian Grand Prix, after the team opted to pit Max Verstappen ahead of him, handing the Dutchman the undercut and track position. Sainz, who had been running ahead of Verstappen, said he was left angry and confused by the strategy call before his eventual retirement due to a technical problem.
Spanish outlets reported that Sainz, then 20, questioned why he was not brought in before Verstappen, despite leading on track. The pit strategy allowed Verstappen to leapfrog Sainz, which Sainz described as inexplicable. The Spaniard told Marca he was doing a very good race and could not understand why the team did not stop him first.
Sainz’s comments followed Verstappen’s strong fourth-place finish, while Sainz’s race ended early due to a technical failure. Spanish daily AS noted this was not the first time Sainz felt disadvantaged compared to his teammate, as Verstappen was already attracting considerable attention within the Red Bull fold. Some Spanish media suggested the team’s decisions reflected a preference for Verstappen, who was being widely promoted as a rising star.
Rookie rivalry at Toro Rosso draws scrutiny
The incident highlighted the intense competition between Sainz and Verstappen during their rookie Formula One season. While both drivers were under scrutiny as part of Red Bull’s development programme, Verstappen’s rapid rise and media attention fuelled speculation about internal team dynamics and future promotion prospects. For further background on the Sainz-Verstappen dynamic at Toro Rosso, seeSainz Unfazed by Verstappen Attention Amid Toro Rosso Rookie Battle.
