Max Verstappen brands Toro Rosso engineer exits "strange"

Max Verstappen of Toro Rosso ahead of the Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit on March 31, 2016 i
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Max Verstappen brands the departure of Toro Rosso engineers in the wake of his promotion to Red Bull "strange".

Following Max Verstappen's switch to Red Bull, it is increasingly clear that 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 that 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 same time as Verstappen departed, so too did his two main engineers Xevi Pulolar and Olivier Helvig.

"Whether it was a warm farewell... I think for [Pujolar] it was more of a surprising goodbye," Verstappen told De Telegraaf.

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

The season continues with the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday.

Former F1 driver David Coulthard talks to fans at a campsite appearance following qualifying for the British Formula One Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit on June 29, 2013
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