Carlos Sainz Considers Role Model Vettel to Be “One of the Best”

Carlos Sainz Jr. raised eyebrows when he made the switch from McLaren to Ferrari this season. Many thought that he was going further down the midfield battle because of Ferrari’s disastrous season last year.

However, the Italian outfit have improved massively this season, and are now in the fight for third with Sainz’s former team. The 26-year-old, who started his F1 career with Toro Rosso, talked about his point of reference in the sport and why he considers him as a role model.

Carlos Sainz considers Sebastian Vettel as his role model

The Spaniard considers the four-time world champion as his point of reference in Formula One. He brings back his days in the Red Bull simulator to highlight why Vettel is his role model.

Sainz said, “I have known Seb for many years and in my career he has always been a point of reference for me. I spent endless hours in the simulator in Red Bull Racing while he he was winning the World Championship and I learned a lot from his way of doing, both on and off the track.

“He is definitely one of the best riders in the history of this sport and I will always consider him a role model to follow in many respects.” (Quotes translated from Italian by Google)

Sainz highlights how he has progressed in his F1 career

Sainz has been on a journey of sorts in Formula 1. Moving to Renault in 2017, he was almost out of a seat for the 2019 season, after being replaced by Daniel Ricciardo. However, an opportunity at McLaren massively boosted his career. Sainz helped the Woking-based team finish third last season, which included an impressive second-place finish in Monza.

Now racing for Ferrari, Sainz attributes his success to hard work, and not giving in to the fear of losing his seat. He said, “Knowing how hard it is to get a seat in Formula 1, you always fear that you won’t make it. But if you commit yourself, believe in your talent, and work hard, the fears go away and you focus on giving the best of yourself.”

Read More: Who is Carlos Sainz Sr, Father of McLaren F1 Driver Carlos Sainz Jr

With the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend, Sainz will look to settle the early nerves of joining Ferrari. Can he bring The Prancing Horse back on the podium, like he did with McLaren?