Why Sainz is ready to challenge Hamilton and Verstappen in title scrap

Carlos Sainz has declared he is "100 per cent" ready to challenge for the F1 title in 2022 so long as Ferrari can provide the machinery.

Sainz impressed in his debut season with Ferrari, quickly adapting to his new team and outscoring established team-mate Charles Leclerc across the season.

The Spaniard's four podiums and flawless finishing record resulted in Sainz finishing fifth in the drivers' standings, overtaking Leclerc and McLaren driver Lando Norris on the final weekend of the year.

Whilst only Red Bull and Mercedes have been able to compete for the top accolades this season, Ferrari has at least claimed two pole positions and multiple podiums.

With the major aerodynamic changes coming in 2022, Sainz is hopeful Ferrari can benefit to put itself back into the championship picture.

Asked if he felt ready to challenge for the title if Ferrari can provide the machinery next year, Sainz replied: "Yeah, 100 per cent.

"Especially these last few races and the second half of the season has given me the right confidence with the car, the right confidence with the team to be ready for whatever comes next year.

"That combined with the amount of hard work and integration we are putting into the 2022 project has put me in the right mindset going into next year."

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