Ousted from Ferrari, but still: 'Sainz could become F1 champion again'

After Carlos Sainz closes the door behind him at Ferrari at the end of the season, the Spaniard continues his Formula 1 career in the midfield. With Williams, it is hard to imagine him competing for the podium places or victories anytime soon, let alone a chance at the world title. Still, Marc Surer is convinced Sainz can become champion.

Ferrari will opt for Lewis Hamilton next season alongside Charles Leclerc. Sainz had not impressed the Italian racing team's management enough to justify another year alongside the Monegasque, especially if former champion Hamilton is available. A look at the results this season shows that Sainz is well behind Leclerc in the world championship.

Yet Marc Surer, a former F1 driver himself, believes Sainz will one day win the Formula 1 title. "Sainz has an advantage over others, who are only fast when the car is good," the Swiss driver told Formel1.de. In doing so, he explains that Sainz - unlike current teammate Leclerc - has the gift of adapting to any F1 car. Leclerc thinks Surer is hugely fast, but only if the car gives him that opportunity.

Surer finds it justifiable that Ferrari ultimately chose to thank Sainz for services rendered and thus not Leclerc. "Of course, for that, you always choose the one who is ultimately the slower of the two," he said.