Sainz shows respect for Verstappen and Red Bull: 'Fully deserve it'

Carlos Sainz saw up close how Max Verstappen gloriously took his second world title this season. Speaking to Formula1.com, the Spaniard says he has great respect for his former teammate's performance.

"I don’t think I need to [give] any more [praise] to Max for what he’s done this year, because I think it’s pretty obvious that he’s done a very good job," Sainz began. "Everyone can see how good he has performed and how well he’s executed this season, especially after not an easy start of the season with a couple of DNFs."

In the past, the current Ferrari driver formed a team with Verstappen for over a season at Toro Rosso, where both drivers were known as great talents. Since then, Sainz has noticed that Verstappen has made some great strides in his development.

He therefore feels it is more than justified that Verstappen is once again winning the world championship with Red Bull. "[They kept] it consistent and strong in the areas where we haven’t been able to be to be that strong – congratulations to him, congratulations to Red Bull, because they fully deserve it."

Sainz hopes for fight with Verstappen

Sainz stressed that Verstappen should count himself lucky with his car, because otherwise he would not have been able to win. Next season, he hopes to be competitive with Ferrari and compete for the world title until the end of the racing year.