02 January 2024 , 22:54
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Carlos Sainz has broken his silence after learning his long-time ally Rupert Manwaring has joined rival Max Verstappen.
The Red Bull racer was in need of a new performance coach ahead of the 2024 season. Bradley Scanes, who has filled that role for the last four seasons, decided to leave Formula 1 at the end of Verstappen's third title-winning campaign.
Fortunately for the Dutchman, he has managed to replace his old ally's experience with someone who has spent even longer in the F1 paddock. From this season onwards, he will benefit from Manwaring's eight years working with Sainz.
His partnership began when Sainz was racing for Toro Rosso, as Verstappen's team-mate. He followed the Spaniard to McLaren and did so again when he joined his current team Ferrari.
But Manwaring has elected to take on a fresh challenge by working with the triple champion. And Sainz has no hard feelings about that, evidenced by a touching social media post shared by the 29-year-old.
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He posted a video compilation of many moments they shared working together over the years, complete with a touching caption. "Eight years can't be summed up in one video but here is a little taste of what it has meant," wrote Sainz.
"2023 has been [Manwaring's] last season as part of Team 55 and I wouldn't know how to thank you for all your work, dedication and support during these years. Not only have we trained, we have fought together for the same goals and we have had lots of fun along the way! I wish you all the best, Ruperto!"
Manwaring's name is already familiar with the Verstappen family - his father, also named Rupert, worked with Max's father Jos when he raced in F1. Regardless, the three-time world champion will no doubt miss working with Scanes who played a key role in the most successful period of his career to date.
"Four years, 368 flights, three world championships, one great friend," Verstappen wrote in his own social media tribute. "I'm going to miss you mate. We pushed. We had fun. We won. We accepted nothing less.
"Maybe I added a few percent here and there but you keep doing you my friend, this is just part of your magical story. Thank you for being part of mine."