Sainz: 'Norris can take McLaren back to the top'

Norris and Sainz were a strong duo at McLaren in 2019 and 2020, and last season they managed to finish third in the constructors' championship. The Spaniard left the team at the end of last year and now drives at Ferrari. Last week it was announced that McLaren have extended Norris' contract until at least the end of 2023. Sainz spoke to Motorsport.com: "I think there are a number of drivers now who have a similar level of performance. I would include Lando with them, that they are potential world champions and they just need the right car to win it."

Level in F1 is high

"I would involve myself, I would obviously involve Charles [Leclerc] and many others. The level in Formula 1 is so high that unfortunately we depend more on what the team can do rather than what we can do. But I believe Lando has the potential to win and take McLaren to the top." Last week, the former teammates were on the podium together in Monaco.

"The level of the drivers this year is generally super high," Sainz says. "If you see the qualifying laps, if you look at everyone's qualifying laps and you see not only the young drivers but also people like Lewis Hamilton, it's just an incredible level. I'm happy to share this grid with so many talented people and compare myself to them, and see how you can do it. It pushes you like no other, and it's good as a driver to feel pushed and feel like you always have to keep pushing new boundaries."