close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US

Rosberg: Only Hamilton and Verstappen better than Sainz

Photo: © LAT Images

Rosberg: Only Hamilton and Verstappen better than Sainz

The Spaniard secured his first podium finish in Brazil.

Former Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg believes Carlos Sainz is currently the third-best driver in the sport behind only Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.

Sainz, and McLaren overall, have been impressive in 2019, with him securing his first ever top-three result at the Brazilian Grand Prix, even if it came after the fact following a time penalty issued to Hamilton which bumped the Spaniard up to third.

He is currently seventh in the drivers’ championship, on the same amount of points as Pierre Gasly in sixth, but Rosberg thinks he has been in the top three most impressive drivers this season - ahead of the likes of Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel.

“Sainz is closing off an unbelievable season,” Rosberg said on his YouTube channel.

“I’ve always said he is in the top four of best drivers of the year together with Leclerc. So Leclerc, Sainz, Verstappen and Hamilton.

Red Bull: A 'huge shame' for Hamilton to cost Albon podium spotRead more

“At the moment I would maybe put Hamilton first, maybe him and Verstappen on a par after this race [in Brazil], maybe Hamilton slightly ahead.

“But Sainz is now third, just in front of Leclerc.

“He’s just done an unbelievable season, so many points in that McLaren, so great. He’s done an absolutely fantastic job.”

Alongside Lando Norris, Sainz has been confirmed to feature again for McLaren in the 2020 campaign.

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 News Today: Max Verstappen ‘causes Red Bull split’ as three drivers fight for seat

F1 News Today: Max Verstappen ‘causes Red Bull split’ as three drivers fight for seat

  • 3 minutes ago
Carlos Sainz quip may have revealed an F1 driver change

Carlos Sainz quip may have revealed an F1 driver change

  • 1 hour ago
Spanish Grand Prix organisers release statement over concerns new F1 track won't be ready

Spanish Grand Prix organisers release statement over concerns new F1 track won't be ready

  • 2 hours ago
EXCLUSIVE: One step from the big time, this is the life of an F1 reserve driver

EXCLUSIVE: One step from the big time, this is the life of an F1 reserve driver

  • 3 hours ago
F1 ANALYSIS: Teams are now in a race to the bottom after new rule shambles

F1 ANALYSIS: Teams are now in a race to the bottom after new rule shambles

  • Today 12:57
Lewis Hamilton back in top spot as perfect F1 race win rewarded

Lewis Hamilton back in top spot as perfect F1 race win rewarded

  • Today 12:00

Just in

17:10
F1 News Today: Max Verstappen ‘causes Red Bull split’ as three drivers fight for seat
15:57
Carlos Sainz quip may have revealed an F1 driver change
14:57
Spanish Grand Prix organisers release statement over concerns new F1 track won't be ready
13:57
EXCLUSIVE: One step from the big time, this is the life of an F1 reserve driver
12:57
F1 ANALYSIS: Teams are now in a race to the bottom after new rule shambles
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

Spanish Grand Prix organisers release statement over concerns new F1 track won't be ready Spanish Grand Prix

Spanish Grand Prix organisers release statement over concerns new F1 track won't be ready

2 hours ago
EXCLUSIVE: One step from the big time, this is the life of an F1 reserve driver Luke Browning

EXCLUSIVE: One step from the big time, this is the life of an F1 reserve driver

3 hours ago
F1 ANALYSIS: Teams are now in a race to the bottom after new rule shambles F1 Analysis

F1 ANALYSIS: Teams are now in a race to the bottom after new rule shambles

Today 12:57
Lewis Hamilton back in top spot as perfect F1 race win rewarded Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton back in top spot as perfect F1 race win rewarded

Today 12:00
Ontdek het op Google Play
x