Sainz’s Ferrari contract will not be renewed after this season, with the Scuderia making a spectacular transfer for long-time Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton as a substitute.
The information initially left Sainz in a difficult place, with maybe the vacant and hotly contested seat at Mercedes his solely real looking avenue of remaining in a high workforce.
Nonetheless, his Australian Grand Prix win simply two weeks after surgical procedure for appendicitis has underlined his credentials and dedication to his craft, and following the race he acquired a lift by Purple Bull workforce principal Christian Horner voluntarily throwing Sainz within the combine as a contender for Sergio Perez’s seat.
Ferrari hiring Sainz as Sebastian Vettel’s substitute in 2021 was seen by some as a conservative selection on the time, however following his performances alongside Charles Leclerc, the Spaniard’s inventory is maybe as excessive because it has ever been.
In accordance with Norris, his former team-mate at McLaren, it will be “foolish” for folks to nonetheless underestimate Sainz.
“You are foolish in case you underrate him,” he mentioned within the Australian Grand Prix post-race press convention. “Folks know what he is able to doing, know his effort degree, his method and dedication to eager to be probably the greatest, precisely like he is proved at this time, and over the past couple of weeks.
“I am positive you have got loads of drivers who in all probability would not have tried as onerous and devoted a lot of their effort and time to making an attempt to get well. For the individuals who know what he is able to doing, you’d by no means ever say he is underrated.”
Watch: F1 2024 Australian Grand Prix Evaluation – Ferrari On Prime Down Below
Leclerc mentioned workforce principals within the F1 paddock are conscious about the worth Sainz would deliver, that means he isn’t frightened about the place his present team-mate will find yourself.
“I feel all people is aware of Carlos’ price within the paddock, he is one of many highest-rated drivers within the paddock,” Leclerc added after being outperformed by Sainz in Melbourne.
“He is been extraordinarily sturdy each time he was in a Method 1 automobile and he has confirmed it a number of instances, so I do not assume he is underrated.
“I am not too frightened about his future, as a result of I am positive that many workforce principals are… he does not say it, however for positive they’re talking with him!
“I am positive he can have many alternatives and he’ll simply need to make your best option for his profession.”
Replying to the feedback from Leclerc and Norris, Sainz mentioned: “There are some type phrases there, however I agree with them.
“Those who possibly do not have an perception and do not know as a lot about this sport, in the event that they wish to underrate me, I am tremendous with that.
“I do not care actually, however I care concerning the people who know the game, which have seen my knowledge, seen how I work, seen my pace. That is the factor I care about, and I do not really feel underrated by them.”
