Carlos Sainz insists he isn't in the shadow of Fernando Alonso

With Carlos Sainz performing admirably at McLaren the comparisons to two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso were inevitable. However, Sainz has played down such comparisons, insisting he doesn't feel in the shadow of his compatriot.

Sainz replaced Alonso at McLaren this season, with the former McLaren and Ferrari man choosing to focus on his pursuit of the 'Triple Crown' requiring victory at the Indy 500 for completion.

Sainz is well positioned to finish sixth in the Drivers' Championship and he has helped the Woking-based constructor to best of the rest, with a comfortable lead over Toro Rosso.

Sainz insisted that he has never felt pressure from the inevitable Alonso comparisons and cites Alonso's importance as a reason.

"I never felt in the shadow of Fernando, also because he is a figure of absolute importance, while I have not yet obtained even a podium," Sainz told Auto Motor und Sport.