Carlos Sainz Jr. says he was shocked to have been overlooked for a seat at Toro Rosso for 2015, with Red Bull instead choosing 16-year-old Max Verstappen instead.
The Formula Renault 3.5 championship leader has been a strong contender for the seat and has taken part in various tests and demos for the team but has failed to secure a promotion so far.
Sainz Jr. says the decision came as a surprise, especially considering his experience outweighs Verstappen’s who has been promoted to F1 despite a single season of Formula 3.
“It was a shock,” he told Crash.net. “I just need to focus on myself and win the championship to prove to all the people who think I am not good enough, that I can be the first Red Bull junior to win the championship and youngest ever too.
“It was a big surprise for me. It was unexpected, especially when you are leading a championship but these things happen.”
The Spanish driver however remains grateful to Red Bull for supporting him throughout his junior career.
“I would not be in this championship if was not for Red Bull so I am thankful for that,” he added. “It is a tricky situation.”
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