Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsToro Rosso

Rivalry with Max is healthy, no issues on my side - Sainz

Carlos Sainz addressed the frustrations of team mate Max Verstappen following the latter's own disappointments with how the pair ran in the second part of the Australian GP.

The Dutchman first felt he had been given a raw deal when Toro Rosso pitted Sainz for tyres first, and then later in the race felt that his team mate was holding him up when both Toro Rosso cars stumbled upon the Renault of Jolyon Palmer.

Verstappen asked his team on multiple occasions to order Sainz to let him pass. The Spaniard in turn was asked to push, replied that he was doing his best, and found his way past the Renault.

"I think we were both frustrated with what was going on. We were all struggling for traction with the medium tyre, which were difficult out of the corners.

"With poor top speed and no traction, Max was frustrated and I was frustrated, and we just couldn't do it. So maybe this created a sort of a situation for us."

With regard to Verstappen's incessant barking and complaining over the radio, Sainz said that he felt he had done nothing wrong and personally had no quarrel with his team mate.

"There was nothing wrong with what I did. We all agree that it was due to the circumstances, there was a lot going on in that sense. But now looking back we know it was the right thing to do, we were just struggling to understand what to do and what was going on."

While the rivalry between the two junior bulls appears quite tense from the outside, Sainz was quick to dispel any worries that the relationship was at risk of completely imploding.

"I think it’s a healthy rivalry. At least from my side, I have absolutely no issues with anyone. Today was a very on the limit race but it’s how F1 should be, on the limit with on the limit moves.

"I enjoyed it a lot even though the final position I think we deserved more. I enjoyed it and I think there will be no issues, at least from my side."

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As it happened: 2016 Australian Grand Prix

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.