Sainz doesn't think he's inferior to Verstappen: 'Got everyone beat'

Carlos Sainz has adapted surprisingly quickly at Ferrari and is a good match for Charles Leclerc. While Leclerc, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are often mentioned as the big talents, Sainz doesn't often appear in those lists.

Sainz has had a remarkable career so far. As part of the Red Bull squad, he got his chance in Formula 1 at Toro Rosso in 2015, making his debut alongside Max Verstappen. However, after more than a year, Verstappen got his chance at Red Bull Racing, and Sainz was left behind at Toro Rosso. There he continued to perform well, but was not brought to Red Bull.

A rental period at Renault didn't do Sainz much good, but an eventual departure and real chance at McLaren allowed the Spaniard to flourish. In a duel with Norris on Sunday, he was by far the better driver but is perhaps still sometimes underestimated. While the Norris, Russell, Verstappen and Leclerc class are often praised, Sainz's name is not often mentioned. Carlos sees it differently though.

''When you sign a Ferrari deal you must have done something good in your career. I always felt appreciated by all teams, from Toro Rosso to Renault to McLaren, even after I left them. If the public thinks I'm in the shade, I wonder why. Regardless of who I've driven against so far, whether it was Max, Nico, Lando or Charles, I've never felt I was slower than them or that I couldn't do something they can,'' Sainz told Auto, Motor und Sport.

''I beat everyone and always pushed them to the limit. I see this as a tribute. Max, Lando and Charles are among the top drivers in the field, also by my own estimation. I love the challenge of racing against them. And they have made me a better driver. That also gave me the confidence that I can compete against anyone when I came to Ferrari. If I integrate myself well into the team and adjust the car correctly I need not be afraid of anyone'', concludes the Spaniard.