Carlos Sainz “a Bit Underrated” – Sebastian Vettel

Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz Jr. have had near similar journeys in Formula One. Both drivers started out at Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri) and are a part of Scuderia Ferrari’s history. While Vettel has four world titles to his name, Sainz is yet to be a part of the title challenge. However, the Spaniard’s legend has grown in recent seasons, after a successful stint in McLaren and his first podium with Ferrari in the Monaco Grand Prix this season.

Ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Vettel spoke about Sainz and a letter he wrote back in his days with Red Bull.

Sebastian Vettel believes Sainz is better than people think

With three career podiums to his name, Carlos Sainz Jr. has impressed many on more than one occasion. Although he’s been part of midfield teams for the majority of his career, the Spaniard has brought good results to each team he’s raced for. His stint with McLaren is considered to be one of his most successful in his F1 career.

In an interview with DAZN, Seb opened up about how Sainz deserves to be where he is at the moment. He also believes people underrate the 26-year-old Ferrari driver.

“I think he is doing very well, he deserves to be where he is. I know the people who work with him. He’s a very good boy,” said Vettel. (Translated via Google Translate)

“I’d say it’s a bit underrated. It’s better than people think.”

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Vettel recalls the letter he wrote for Sainz when he left Red Bull

During his time with Red Bull, Vettel won four world titles. However, after a disappointing 2014 season, the German joined Scuderia Ferrari in 2015. That season also saw the debut of Carlos Sainz Jr. in F1 with Toro Rosso.

In the interview, Vettel also spoke about a letter he wrote for the Spaniard before leaving Red Bull. The 33-year-old said, “He helped us a lot in those days, he was very mature for his age. I would very much appreciate if someone would show me their appreciation in a letter.”

Although they are on different trajectories this season, Vettel and Sainz are on the rise after the Monaco Grand Prix. Voted ‘Driver of the Day’ in Monaco, Vettel will look to build on his P5 finish in the streets of Baku. As for Sainz, he will look to build on his first podium with Ferrari with another good showing in the “Land of Fire.”

Can the two former Toro Rosso drivers keep the momentum going for their teams?

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