MAY 14, 2016

Verstappen says Toro Rosso engineer exits strange

Following Max Verstappen's switch to Red Bull, it is increasingly clear there is little love lost between the Dutchman and Toro Rosso.

Following Max Verstappen's switch to Red Bull, it is increasingly clear there is little love lost between the Dutchman and Toro Rosso.

The energy drink company undoubtedly promoted the 18-year-old to keep him out of the clutches of Ferrari and Mercedes, but it is also believed it ended a period of tension between Verstappen and another faction at the junior team.

Tension between Verstappen and former teammate Carlos Sainz was obvious, but at the very same time as Max departed, so too did his two main engineers Xevi Pulolar and Olivier Helvig.

"Whether it was a warm farewell ... I think for him (Pujolar) it was more of a surprising goodbye," Verstappen told De Telegraaf newspaper in Spain.

"I am very happy that I am now at Red Bull."

Max continued: "For me there was nothing personal going on at Toro Rosso, but it is strange that after my departure two engineers were immediately dismissed.

"It's a huge loss for Toro Rosso -- they were the best engineers they had," Verstappen added.

(GMM)