Sainz: Alonso has been my mentor since I was 15

Toro Rosso speedster Carlos Sainz has heaped praise on double World Champion Fernando Alonso for helping and guiding him into the sport.

Sainz even went as far as saying that he maybe wouldn't have made it into Formula 1 if it wasn’t for Alonso’s mentoring.

"Fernando mentored me since I was 15," said the 22-year-old.

"It helped me a lot. Perhaps without him, I would not be here today. I owe him a great deal."

When quizzed by reporters as to just how deep their connection is, Sainz said he wouldn’t give up his position to Alonso on the track no matter what.

"When you drive in Formula One, you see a McLaren behind and you don't see Fernando Alonso, the person," Sainz explained.

"I am not just going to let him by, especially if I am in P3 and about to get the first podium of my career, or my first win or whatever."