F1 News
Nico Rosberg believes Carlos Sainz is in the top four drivers this season
Carlos Sainz achieved his first-ever podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix, benefitting from Lewis Hamilton's penalty. The result has led to some very high praise from former World Champion, Nico Rosberg.
In a chaotic conclusion to the race at Interlagos, Lewis Hamilton wiped out Alex Albon and subsequently received a penalty dropping to seventh. This allowed Sainz to finish the race in P3 and despite not standing on the podium in the initial celebrations he enjoyed a moment with his team after.
Sainz has had a breakout season, currently sitting sixth in the Drivers' Championship. Nico Rosberg believes the Spaniard has been amongst the best drivers this season, putting him alongside the likes of Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
"Sainz is closing off an unbelievable season," Rosberg said on his YouTube channel.
"I’ve always said he’s in the top four best drivers this year together with Leclerc. So it’s Leclerc, Sainz, Verstappen and Hamilton.
"At the moment I’d probably put Hamilton, Verstappen, maybe even on a par, especially after this race, actually no you’d put Hamilton slightly ahead. Then Sainz is now third just ahead of Leclerc.
"He’s done such an unbelievable season, so many points with that McLaren. It’s so great, Fantastic job.”