I’ve been racing for a long time now, and over the years, I’ve seen a lot of drivers come and go. But every so often, someone comes along who really catches your attention, someone who makes you sit up and take notice. Carlos Sainz is one of those guys. His performance in Abu Dhabi this year? Absolutely electrifying. Honestly, I don’t think it’s just me who thinks so — you could see it in the way the crowd reacted and how the other drivers respected his pace. That was something special.
On the track, Carlos is a beast. There’s no other way to put it. His consistency, his racecraft — it’s all there. We all know that F1 is such a tough sport, where every tenth of a second counts, and the mental and physical strain is constant. But Carlos seems to be handling it all so well. He’s pushing the limits, not just trying to match the best, but actually becoming one of them. And to be honest, sometimes I wonder where his ceiling is. Like, how much more can he achieve with the right opportunities?
In Abu Dhabi, he wasn’t just racing, he was dominating in a way that had everyone talking. It wasn’t about luck; it was pure skill. He made all the right calls, raced smartly, and just drove with such intensity. There were moments when he made moves that really showcased his confidence and tactical intelligence. He didn’t just put himself in position to win — he made sure it happened.
I’ve had the chance to race against some of the best drivers in the world, but seeing a performance like that from Carlos reminds me of the fire and hunger we all need to have. Every race is a chance to show what you’re made of, and I think he’s doing that with every lap he takes. It’s inspiring. You can tell he’s not just aiming for podiums, he’s aiming to win, to prove that he belongs at the very top of this sport.
And that’s what makes the difference, right? It’s not just about being fast — it’s about having the mentality to fight for every inch, to keep pushing when the pressure’s on, to keep evolving. That’s what Carlos is doing, and it’s exciting to see.
There’s a respect that comes with driving at the highest level, and I’ve got a lot of respect for Carlos. What he’s showing now is the kind of performance we all want to see, and I have no doubt we’ll see more of it in the future. He’s got the talent, the determination, and the mindset to be a real contender. And for me, that’s what makes him stand out.