F1 driver Carlos Sainz is confident that Ferrari will retain him for the future, saying he proved himself in 2021.
Sainz is one of the most underrated drivers on the grid and has been performing consistently for a couple of years now. Two impressive seasons at McLaren saw him clinch P6 in the Drivers’ Championship both times before he made the move to Ferrari.
With the Italian outfit, the Spaniard moved one step ahead to take P5 in the standings. He had a very solid season with this new team and ended up handing fellow Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc the first defeat at the hands of his teammate.
On the back of the strong season, Sainz revealed that he was confident Ferrari would retain him, saying he knew his level was high enough for it.
In an interview with Corriere della Sera, he said, “Not everyone treats me as an outsider.
“Anyone who understands this sport, anyone who has worked with me knows that I am not at all. When (Ferrari team principal) Mattia Binotto signed me to Ferrari, he knew I could do a good job, which I know is very fast.
“Those who think that my level is not very high do not pay attention because they do not know F1.”
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Sainz also reflected on his pre-2021 prediction where he said he would lose to Leclerc, saying he was just being realistic.
“I had just arrived, had a lot to learn, a very strong teammate,” he explained.
“However, even then I believed in myself, trust is never lacking, but I have to be realistic. Drivers like Leclerc, (Lando) Norris, (Max) Verstappen or (Lewis) Hamilton have no weaknesses.
“The comparison takes place by improving every detail and it is fun to have a partner like this – you learn by observing.”
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