Sainz praises world champion: 'I admire that about Verstappen'

Not a whole lot was expected of Sainz at the start of 2021. The Spaniard had two good years at McLaren, but what was he going to do in Charles Leclerc's team? The Monegasque was seen as the team's new frontrunner and Sainz only seemed to have a role as second driver.

Debut at Ferrari

In 2021, however, Sainz showed that he is just as good as Leclerc. In his first season, he even scored more points than his teammate. Sainz is therefore not worried about people continuing to see him as the underdog, as people do appreciate him in F1, he stated in conversation with Corriere.it.

Yet Sainz himself had doubts because prior to the season Leclerc asked at the Ferrari presentation if Sainz really thought he could beat him. The honest answer was "no. ''It was a logical answer, because I still had a lot to learn and a strong opponent. However, I was also firmly convinced at the time that I could do it. Drivers like Leclerc, Norris, Verstappen and Hamilton, however, have no weaknesses.''

New contract for Sainz

With that, the Spaniard directly broaches the subject of Max Verstappen. The current Ferrari driver drove with Max for over a year and did not disappoint. ''I admire the fact that he can be fast in any situation and the courage he shows in trying his own route, such as a crucial overtaking move. I don't hate anything about him.''

Sainz himself seems to be on his way to a longer career at Ferrari. Carlos' contract expires at the end of this season, but he lets it be known that the intention is there to continue with each other and sign another deal this winter. The goal remains to become world champion, but it remains to be seen if the car is good enough. Ferrari will present the new car for 2022 on 17 February.