Sainz: Ferrari signature proves my credentials

Jamie Woodhouse
Carlos Sainz McLaren

Carlos Sainz has revealed a big factor in his happiness with the McLaren team - not being put under pressure during the difficult early times.

Carlos Sainz says he has “nothing” more to prove ahead of moving to a race-winning team, the fact Ferrari signed him does all the talking.

2020 will be Sainz’s final season with McLaren before he heads to Ferrari for 2021 to replace the departing Sebastian Vettel.

And so far in his time at McLaren, Sainz is proving why Ferrari were eager to get his signature before this season started after the Spaniard scored his second podium finish in McLaren colours with P2 at the Italian Grand Prix.

Although 2020 has been a dismal season for Ferrari so far, it is surely only a matter of time before the Scuderia become an outfit capable of winning races again.

So, what does Sainz have left to prove before having one of those cars that can win Formula 1 races?

“Nothing,” he told AS .

“What I am left with is to try and keep demonstrating. The speed, the ingredients are there, but you have to keep fighting, keep improving as a driver, keep being self-critical. Then, when you get a race as good as the one in Monza, you also have to admit that it was a good day and you couldn’t do more.

“If we have missed the victory it is due to circumstances, but honestly I don’t think what else I have to show. Also, Ferrari has signed me. I don’t have to say or do much more once Ferrari has their eye on me.”

Head on over to the Formula 1 store for all your official Carlos Sainz merchandise

Sainz hunted down the AlphaTauri of Pierre Gasly at Monza but couldn’t quite pull off a move to take victory for himself, and Sainz urged Spanish fans new and old to keep faith in the series.

Fernando Alonso is the only driver from the nation to win a race in Formula 1, but his final victory to date came all the way back at the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix.

Asked what his message was to the Spanish fans who got lost in these last few years of Formula 1, Sainz said: “That new fans will get hooked or that old fans will get hooked again, or both.

“Even if you can’t fight for these positions constantly, there are still races where Formula 1 goes crazy, these races and these opportunities are generated and that is why it is worth following this sport.

“It is an incredible sport, which gives surprises even when it is predictable as it is now. And to support the Spanish driver, who is trying to give his all for his country and his fans. Because I want to give them more joy.”

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Carlos Sainz Ferrari

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