Sainz makes smooth transition: 'Those others are really nowhere'

Carlos Sainz finished in second place in Monaco on Sunday. The Spaniard was not completely satisfied with this result, because a pole and victory were possible, but Nico Rosberg is very enthusiastic about the Spaniard.

In 2020, it became clear early in the year that Sebastian Vettel would be leaving Ferrari, with the Italians opting for Carlos Sainz. With Daniel Ricciardo free on the market at the time, a remarkable choice according to some experts. Rosberg too thought that Ferrari should have chosen Ricciardo, but now thinks otherwise.

Sainz surprises friend and foe

''In 2020 I was one of those people who said: 'Why are you taking Carlos? You should have chosen Daniel. Now when I look at where Ricciardo, Vettel and Perez are, and I compare that to Sainz, they are all really nowhere. Of those four drivers, Sainz is the only one who gives the impression that he has been driving at Ferrari for longer.

''He's doing very well, keeping Charles Leclerc on his toes,'' the German told Sky Italia.

''I can only congratulate Sainz. Ferrari has chosen the right man. I also liked the fact that Sainz was slightly irritated after his second place. He felt he had the speed to take pole on Saturday and win the race on Sunday. That's the spirit of a winning driver,'' concludes the 2016 world champion.