Racing Point "in another league" compared to 'class B' McLaren - Sainz

Carlos Sainz has declared Racing Point to be "in another league" compared to the rest of Formula 1's midfield teams.

Although McLaren is currently second in the constructors' standings ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Sainz believes Racing Point has unlocked the potential of its RP20 which will lead to a change in the championship picture.

In qualifying for the third race of the season at the Hungaroring, Racing Point locked out the second row of the grid, leaving Sainz and team-mate Lando Norris trailing in ninth and eighth respectively.

"I think this is the way the cars are working at the moment," said Sainz. "We see a very strong Racing Point that is in another league. It's much quicker than anyone else in the midfield, or in 'class B' now.

"So we're going to struggle to beat them throughout the year, but at least we are going to keep pushing."

Both Sainz and Norris complained of balance problems with the MCL35 throughout the free practice sessions, and while Norris was pleased with the improvements made, Sainz still found it tough going.

He added: "It's been tougher since the beginning. Personally, not feeling quite the balance in sector three and always struggling with the rear end in the last part of the lap.

"I managed to put a decent lap together, but again, a lot of moving around in sector three.

"We are not quite there, and in the end P9, which leaves me with a bit of a sour feeling, because I would rather be 11th with a medium tyre than ninth on a soft."

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