Sainz describes 100th Grand Prix as "very special"

Carlos Sainz has described his 100th Grand Prix as "very special" as he prepares to line up on the grid for a century of races at this weekend's United States Grand Prix. The Spaniard only managed P13 last week in Mexico, losing some very strong momentum he had in previous races, so he will be hoping for a return to form at his milestone event.

The McLaren driver is currently seventh in the standings, but just one point behind Pierre Gasly and two ahead of Alex Albon, and with just three races to go, he could finish anywhere from sixth to eighth, which would be his best finish in F1, beating the ninth he secured in 2017 with Toro Rosso and Renault.

Ahead of the US GP, Sainz said: "The US Grand Prix is a very special event for me, marking my 100th Formula 1 start. To be an F1 driver has been my dream and my ambition for as long as I can remember, so to be hitting my 100th race at only 25 years old is a really significant moment.

"After a tough Sunday in Mexico, the whole team is willing to hit the track again at Austin this week. It is important that we keep focused and working hard until the last race. COTA is one of the most exciting tracks on the calendar and always delivers interesting racing, with the entire first sector being very fun to drive in these F1 cars. Getting Turn One right can really pay off later in that sector, so I look forward to jumping back in the car on Friday and getting set up for quali and the race."