Sainz on podium in shadow of title fight: 'The nerves were high'

In the extremely exciting title fight, you would almost forget that Carlos Sainz eventually crossed the finish line in third place. Because of Sergio Perez's retirement, the Spaniard was suddenly in third place and therefore he could join Lewis Hamilton and new world champion Max Verstappen on the podium.

"I will definitely for sure. After everything and that late safety car, we were in the right place at the right time with a good pace and a podium to finish a magic season. My first season with Ferrari and P5 in the championship. I was very strong from qualifying," Sainz acknowledged after the race.

For a long time it looked like Perez was going to run away with the last podium spot. During the safety car he was brought in by Red Bull Racing because of an unknown problem. This opened the door for Sainz to move up to third place.

"With a safety car at the end. The nerves were high and we needed to keep it together. I think whoever came out on top today deserved it," Sainz concludes, referring to his former teammate.