Carlos Sainz has been lauded as one of the best drivers currently competing in Formula 1, by no less an authority than two-time world champion Fernando Alonso.
"I think everyone can see the progress that Carlos made in the last three years," Alonso said on Thursday. "He started already impressing a lot of people.
"This young generation, they are very well prepared. They arrive into Formula 1 with a lot of practice and simulator experience. They follow a program in the junior academies, from the Red Bull academy or the Ferrari academy or wherever. When they arrive in Formula 1, it's not a shock. They are ready. They are prepared.
"If you add that preparation to the talent that Carlos has, already in the first year he was at the very, very high level," he added. "I think he has the talent - he won the smaller categories until Formula 1.
"Now with experience, I think he’s one of the best on the grid."
Sainz in turn has made no secret that his compatriot has been something of a role model and hero to him.
"My father took me to the Spanish Grand Prix 11 years ago to meet Fernando Alonso and to see my first F1 race," Sainz told Mobil 1 The Grid this week. "[That's when] I suddenly realised I wanted to be a Formula 1 driver.
"He was my idol, my hero, my inspiration," he continued. "It's what I’ve been fighting for since then. That was a special day for me.
“He’s probably the only driver in the paddock I have a bit of a personal relationship [with]," Sainz added. "He’s helped me a lot in the past. When he’s had a chance to speak well about me, to guide me or give me advice, he has always done so. I have a lot of respect and am grateful [for] everything he’s done for me."
Buoyed by Alonso's comments about his progress in F1, Sainz believes he will be able to contend for a world championship in the next few seasons.
“I wouldn’t mind having a couple of world championships, for sure”, he said. "I don’t know when or how, but I want to be. And Toro Rosso knows it.
"I’m convinced at the end of the year, if I keep performance as I am doing, they will give me a chance to step up or do something different with a big team.
"If I want to keep going that way, I need to keep performing. I need to keep performing at the highest level like I am doing now, and make sure that continues to be the case.
"I’m not here to be the third driver [for] anyone," he insisted. "I want to become a leading driver.”
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