Extra competitor for Verstappen? 'In 2022 I want to be next to him more often'

Carlos Sainz started the season with difficulty, but his Ferrari is getting better and better with more control. Two weeks ago he was suddenly on the podium next to Max Verstappen at the Monaco Grand Prix. The Spaniard is giving himself time to develop.

The Spanish driver feels he can still make some big steps forward. "I know I can still gain a few fractions of seconds," he told the NOS. "I need to get to the bottom of the car and I can only do that by doing kilometres. Deeply hidden in the car are the two tenths you have to search for a long time as a driver. Such a process can take months, but it will work out."

Sainz expects to compete with the big teams next year. "Ferrari has had tough years, but is climbing back to the top. That takes time and it's the job of Charles and me to help with that and seize opportunities, like in Monaco. This is a transition year. In 2022 I want to be alongside Max more often and a supporting role is no longer good enough."

Standings in world championship

Ferrari are battling with McLaren for third place in the constructors' world championship this season. Among the drivers, Sainz is in plate seven with 38 points, while teammate Charles Leclerc has two points more.