Carlos Sainz not put off by Red Bull snub

Carlos Sainz has admitted that Max Verstappen's promotion to Red Bull Racing earlier this year has left him frustrated.

The highly-rated Spaniard was overlooked for promotion to Red Bull's senior team, despite being backed by the energy drink firm for much longer than the Dutch teenager.

Although he understands the tough situation Red Bull found themselves in, he does insist that it hasn't deterred him and he still harbours ambitions to become world champion.

“I understand that the situation with Red Bull is completely difficult, they have two very good drivers and obviously it’s not an ideal situation," he said, "but I think Red Bull, my environment, everyone needs to understand that my target in the end is to be a world champion and to start fighting for those podiums and those wins — that is what I am really here for.

“Maybe its optimistic, but it’s the nature of everyone Formula One driver," he added. "You just want to win, especially after this period of time that I’m going through now. I feel I am at the peak and I’m ready to take that next step.”