Sainz makes a clear judgement: 'Hamilton is not a better driver than me'

After the current Formula 1 season, Carlos Sainz will have to leave Ferrari. He will be replaced by Lewis Hamilton and has since announced his move to Williams. Sainz says he understands his team's choice, but does not believe Hamilton is a better driver than him.

Asked by the Spanish edition of GQ whether Hamilton is a better driver than him, Sainz comes up with a clear answer. "I sincerely believe not, clearly not," the Ferrari driver begins. "If you ask this question to the other 18 drivers, they will give the same answer. I believe I am the best option for any Formula 1 team. If I did not have this mentality, I would not be an F1 driver and I would not have the competitive soul I have. The other drivers would answer the same."

He continued: "Having said that, I obviously understand Ferrari's decision. The opportunity to contract a seven-time world champion and what that can bring and attract to a team is a great opportunity. That's why, looking at it reflectively, it didn't hurt me that much."

"In the end, it's not that another driver replaces you, but that you are replaced one of the best drivers in the history of this sport. If someone has to replace me then, let it be the one," Sainz concluded.