Carlos Sainz, a mainstay in Formula 1 since 2015, often flies under the radar compared to superstars like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Despite consistently strong performances against top teammates (Verstappen, Hulkenberg, Leclerc), Sainz hasn’t received the recognition he deserves.
2024 is a breakout year for Sainz. After a podium in Bahrain and a win following his return from appendicitis, he’s a genuine title contender, currently just 11 points behind the leader. Sainz’s career reflects steady progress and resilience. He debuted alongside Verstappen at Toro Rosso in 2015, showcasing promise and battling Verstappen until his mid-season promotion. Sainz then continued to outperform teammates at Renault (Hulkenberg) and McLaren (Norris) before proving his worth by outscoring Leclerc in his first year at Ferrari (2021).
While 2022 was challenging, Sainz bounced back in 2023, showing he’s a force to be reckoned with. His tactical brilliance, like his win at the Singapore Grand Prix, highlights his on-track intelligence. With his future at Ferrari uncertain beyond 2024, could Sainz be a perfect fit for another top team like Mercedes or Red Bull? A potential reunion with Verstappen could reignite their rivalry, and Sainz’s consistency makes him a championship contender in the right car.
Carlos Sainz, F1’s “Car of Science,” deserves more recognition. His consistent excellence against top competition proves he’s one of the best drivers on the grid. Whether his future holds a championship challenge remains to be seen, but Sainz’s talent and consistency can’t be ignored.