Formula 1 has 'a lot to do' to improve competition and entertainment, says Carlos Sainz

Formula 1

F1 has 'a lot to do' to improve competition and entertainment

The midfield want podiums.

Martin Macdonald

Thursday 25 July 2019 13:46

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Formula 1 management still have “a lot to do” to make the sport more competitive and entertaining, according to McLaren’s Carlos Sainz.

Over the past few years, the gap between the elite teams of Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull and the midfield has steadily grown, with drivers from the lower teams very, very rarely seizing the opportunity to compete at the front of the grid due to the differences in car quality.

One of the drivers currently in the midfield, Sainz, has impressed this season with McLaren and has helped them to fourth in the constructors’ championship. However, he thinks his performances and the performances of certain others deserve more than just fighting for fifth or sixth place individually.

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“I deserve credit as many other drivers deserve it,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport. “I am thinking of [Daniel] Ricciardo, [Sergio] Perez or [Nico] Hulkenberg.

“We should all have the chance to fight for at least one podium in every race.

“Instead, at the moment, this opportunity is reserved for those driving for the top three top teams.

“The car makes too much difference and it shows that F1 still has a lot to do to improve the competition and entertainment.”

With Fernando Alonso departing before the 2019 season, Sainz is now the only Spaniard on the grid, and although he wishes his compatriot was still around, he understands the reason for his exit as it mirrors his own current frustrations.

“I don’t get in the car to prove something to others, but only by thinking of doing good for myself,” the McLaren man continued.

“Being the only Spanish driver is a positive responsibility.

“Of course, F1 should have the best drivers in the world and Fernando is one of the best, if not the best ever.

“Therefore it is clear that it is missing. But the reason for his farewell is the same for which I and many others are suffering.”