Sainz Jr: “I might have felt a little frustrated at times”

Has it not been sometimes frustrating to evolve in a team whose vocation is to train, and not to win?

This is its reason for being. This is why it was designed and this is why I am here today. Afterwards, given my results, given the fact that Renault had been interested in me for a year and a half and the doors of Red Bull Racing were closed, I may have felt a little frustrated, but never to the point of forgetting what this team, what Red Bull, did for me. Without them, I wouldn't be here talking to you...

What is missing from a stable like Toro Rosso to fight more often in the Top 5, like in Singapore?

Toro Rosso has the right people but not the right budget. These resources are minimal compared to those of teams like Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull. This is also a problem on which the F1 must bend over as quickly as possible. Here, with a little more means, that would be something...

Renault also played a small role during your father's early career (between 1982 and 1984, Carlos Sainz Sr distinguished himself between circuit and rally behind the wheel of R5 TS and R5 Turbo. Editor’s note). Isn’t it funny how history repeats itself sometimes?

My father, Fernando (Alonso), me now… there is a sort of Spanish connection with Renault. You know, that Renault started to take an interest in me at the start of the 2016 financial year was very important. For me, it meant so much… it boosted me!…

Discover the full interview with Carlos Sainz Jr in issue 2134 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version on all platforms and on kiosks.