New Ferrari boy Carlos Sainz has suggested that a number of Lewis Hamilton’s seven Drivers Championship titles have been helped by a distinct lack of competition from the rest of the grid. The Stevenage-born driver has enjoyed unmatched dominance in Formula 1 for five years. He won every available title and helped Mercedes to no fewer than seven consecutive triumphs in the constructors’ championship.
Hamilton had got off to a perfect start again this year with victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix last month and kept Red Bulls Max Verstappen at a distance in the closing stages in order to conquer the checkered flag.
The Dutchman took the lead with only a few laps remaining but was instructed to give up the position after crossing the track limits in order to squeeze forward.
Hamilton is aiming to take an unprecedented eighth world title this season but is likely to face stiff competition in the form of Verstappen, with Red Bull looking incredibly strong in terms of vehicle performance.
He was regularly criticized by onlookers, who pointed out that, up until that point, he was only successful because of Mercedes’ ability to consistently produce championship cars.
Sainz, who decided to leave McLaren in favor of Ferrari ahead of this season, has stated that Hamilton’s lack of real opposition in previous campaigns actually helped him get the process tight.
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However, the Spaniard also claimed that his Mercedes rival had been successful in his performance, admitting that he was a great admirer of the 36-year-old’s impressive talent behind the wheel.
“He has all the qualities a driver would like,” said Sainz to the Italian outlet Corriere della Sera when he asked Hamilton.
“He has no weaknesses, I can see that on the track. Maybe he lacked the competition in some seasons, he only had to beat one or two opponents.
“But if we all sat in the same car, Lewis would be one of the best. Almost certainly the best.”
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Hamilton is expected to face an uphill battle as the season progresses to cement his status as the best F1 player of all time.
He insisted last month that he was more than ready for the challenge, stressed the fact that Red Bull has been faster than Mercedes since pre-season testing and suggested that this year’s championship battle be on point.
When asked which team currently has the fastest car, Hamilton told Sky Sports, “This is a question everyone is probably asking and I think right now it seems like Red Bull is doing it.”
“I think it’s definitely going to be the toughest fight we’ve had so far. Right now they’re ahead. But we’re ready for the fight.
“I think every year is a little bit unknown, but of course we often have a better feeling for what is happening to our car.
“It’s really exciting for us as a team. We’re not the fastest right now. And how we’re going to work together, how we’re going to unite to get where we want to be.”
“I’m really excited about this challenge. And to see some of the other teams close. I think it will be great for the fans.”
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