Sainz will not use new-found Ferrari status for personal agendas

Carlos Sainz has insisted he will not use his new platform at Ferrari to become a focal point for personal agendas.

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton was a pioneer for diversity in Formula 1 last season as he raised awareness of issues in the sport and society by using his profile as a seven-time world champion to convey his messages.

When Sainz was asked whether he would look to use his new-found Ferrari status to pursue his own agendas, the Spaniard simply replied: "No."

He added: "If there’s one thing I am, I don’t know how to say it but I just like being myself.

"I’m not planning on exploring one side of my image or the other. Whatever I am you will see on social media and if new brands want to join me on that adventure and that attracts sponsorship which joins with my personality, the way of being as a person… I am obviously a very familiar guy.

"I keep wanting to go back to Spain and spend time with my dogs, with my family and my friends. I don’t have a lifestyle, honestly, that differs from what a normal guy is.

"If I become more famous for being a Ferrari driver, that will not change my approach. I will not suddenly go into fashion or anything other than what I am being.

"If there’s good sponsorship which lines up with my values, I will take it and I will exploit it but I’m not planning on doing anything different."

Sainz is the biggest Spanish personality in the sport other than the returning Fernando Alonso, who piqued his country's interest in F1 with his two world championships in 2005 and 2006.

With his opportunity to be a race winner with the Scuderia, Sainz believes his profile has already grown in his homeland.

"I’ve already felt that a bit, since it was announced, because it was huge in Spain and I expect it to keep going up and keep growing," added the 26-year-old.

"But that’s a good thing, I enjoy that and it’s great to have the fans on your side, to have the media attention. I think it only brings positive things.

"I’ve always loved racing at my home grand prix and it’s always gone well, so I can’t wait to be honest."

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