Verstappen doesn't want Sainz at Red Bull - report

Max Verstappen is thought to be in opposition to Carlos Sainz replacing Daniel Ricciardo in the vacant seat at Red Bull next season, after a previous altercation between the drivers when they were both at Toro Rosso, according to reports from Spain.

Sainz is the current odd man out in Formula 1, with Daniel Ricciardo taking the Spaniards' seat at Renault next season, teaming up with Nico Hulkenberg.

Both Red Bull and McLaren have been linked with a move for the driver but according to publication Marca, Red Bull is looking like an increasingly unlikely option.

Sainz is on loan at Renault from feeder team Toro Rosso until the end of the year and previously team boss Christian Horner had indicated that Sainz would be among the favourites to step in should Ricciardo, who has been the subject of intense speculation for much of the season, ultimately move on.

But it is believed that Verstappen and Sainz had a strained relationship towards the end of their partnership at Toro Rosso back in 2016, to such a degree that the Verstappen camp would not endorse them being reunited in the pit next season.

Verstappen would prefer a 'submissive' and 'non-confrontational' driver to work alongside him, a departure from the setup where he and Ricciardo were almost seen as equals.

Pierre Gasly and potentially Esteban Ocon are more likely to fit the bill, opening the door for McLaren to make an offer for Sainz when his contract expires at the end of September.

It remains unclear whether Sainz will be joining as a replacement for the departing Fernando Alonso, or for Stoffel Vandoorne, who has failed to impress this season.