Carlos Sainz Sr, the legendary rally driver and father of F1 star Carlos Sainz Jr, believes his son’s true worth has been consistently underestimated throughout his career.
Sainz Jr’s journey in Formula 1 has been one of constant evolution, marked by impressive performances amidst a backdrop of shifting fortunes.
From his early days at Toro Rosso, where he battled Max Verstappen for Red Bull’s attention, to his current move to Williams, Sainz Jr. has consistently navigated a challenging landscape.
“I don’t think it’s given to him, the value and the quality that he has,” Sainz Sr said during an interview with El Cafelito.
A Career Defined by Underrated Success
Sainz started his F1 career in 2015 with Toro Rosso alongside Verstappen and immediately found himself in one of the sport’s most intense environments. Both drivers were hungry for success and eager to claim a coveted promotion to Red Bull Racing.
While Verstappen’s meteoric ascent culminated in a 2016 Red Bull debut and a stunning maiden victory with the bulls, Sainz took a more circuitous route.
He moved to Renault in late 2017, replacing Jolyon Palmer and solidifying his reputation as a dependable, consistent driver.
The next major milestone came in 2019 when Sainz joined McLaren, where he helped the team climb back to competitiveness. Two seasons later, Ferrari came calling, and Sainz replaced four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel for the 2021 season.
Reflecting on his son’s journey among motorsport’s elite, Sainz Sr noted how Verstappen’s rapid rise left his son in the shadows.
“He also coincides with a given moment with Verstappen. It is a moment when Red Bull chooses Verstappen. He stays a little in the shade.
“Then he ends up driving for Ferrari, which is not easy, imagine being a Ferrari driver, driving for McLaren,” Sainz Sr said, referring to the Scuderia signing up the Spaniard even before the delayed start of the Covid-impacted 2020 season.
Triumphs with Ferrari but a Curtailed Future
At Ferrari, Sainz showcased his capabilities, outscoring teammate Charles Leclerc in the Drivers’ standings in his first season with the team.
During his four-year tenue with the House of Maranello, Sainz achieved four Grand Prix victories, including an extraordinary win at the 2024 Australian Grand Prix, just weeks after recovering from surgery.
However, Ferrari’s decision to bring in Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season forced the 30-year-old to leave the team.
After months of speculation, he signed a multi-year deal with Williams, undeniably a step backward given Williams’ struggles in recent years to regain its competitiveness.
The Best is Yet to Come
Despite the challenges his son has faced, Sainz Sr remains confident that his greatest performances are still ahead of him.
He praised his son’s ability to continuously improve and adapt, a trait he believes sets him apart from others on the grid.
“I think Carlos’ best version is still to come,” said the 62-year-old rally legend. “That’s my feeling.
“He’s a driver who takes the steps and gives the feeling that every year he brings out his best version.
“There are drivers who arrive very quickly, give it all and then they go. Carlos keeps improving every year.”
This belief in steady progress is reflected in Sainz Jr’s career trajectory.
While he may not have had the meteoric rise of Verstappen or the instant fanfare of Leclerc, Sainz has built his career on consistency, resilience, and a relentless work ethic.
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook
