Norris can bring McLaren to the top of Formula 1

Sainz and Norris rode together at McLaren in 2019 and 2020, and forged one of the closest partnerships on the grid as they took the team to third in the Constructors’ Championship.

Sainz left McLaren to join Ferrari late last year, but Norris had maintained his formidable form and had two podiums so far this season.

McLaren rewarded Norris for his formidable form by handing him over to a new multi-year contract and announcing last week that he would stay with the team at least until the end of 2023.

Speaking of Norris’ new deal, Sainz was confident that his former teammate would lead McLaren to the top of Formula 1 in the years to come, calling him one of the best drivers on the grid.

“I think there are a number of drivers now who are on a very similar level,” said Sainz.

“I would count Lando as being potential world champions and just needing the right car to win it.

“I would lock myself in, I would lock in Charles [Leclerc] of course and many others. The level in Formula 1 is so high that unfortunately we are more dependent on what the team is capable of than I think what we can do.

“But I think Lando has the potential to win and bring McLaren to the top.”

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Sainz and Norris both stood on the podium at the Monaco Grand Prix last Sunday and finished second and third behind the winner Max Verstappen.

With an average age of 23 years, 11 months and 28 days, it marked the third youngest podium in F1 history, just behind the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix and the 2008 Italian Grand Prix.

Sainz believed the results showed that F1 is “in good hands for the future” and noted the tiny gaps between the front runners in the field.

“The level of drivers is generally super high this year,” said Sainz.

“When you see the qualifying laps, when you check everyone’s qualifying laps and not only see the young drivers, but people like Lewis too [Hamilton] etc, it’s just an amazing level.

“I’m excited to share this grid with so many talented people and compare myself with them and see how you can do that.

“It pushes you like no other, and it’s good as a racing driver to feel pushed and to have the feeling that you always have to find new limits.”