Alonso sees Verstappen and Hamilton out of reach: 'GP wins go to them'

After two seasons with just one Spaniard in the premier class of motor racing, there are two again this season with Alonso joining Alpine. When asked who will finish higher, Sainz says: "You guys love that question, don't you? While you know the answer," he laughs. "Of course I want to beat Fernando and I believe in myself. He will say the same."

Alonso himself is a little less convinced. With his French employer, he has had a relatively difficult start to the season, despite gaining five World Championship points. The A521 is not as competitive as they would have liked, but in Barcelona, the team is performing strongly with two top-five places during the second free practice.

Still, Alonso knows his place."We are not ready to win with Alpine yet. This year Grand Prix victories will go to Mercedes and Red Bull Racing again. Ferrari is fighting for place three. Carlos will finish above me," he is clear.

Sergio Perez is not yet close to the level of Max Verstappen, but he is not very worried either."I haven't had a flawless race weekend yet. A combination of bad luck and mistakes, but I also see an upward trend. They are not great results, but I have turned the page and am looking forward. My glass is always half full," said the Mexican veteran.