While COVID-19 disrupted last year’s F1 season, Ferrari announced Carlos Sainz as their driver for 2021 even before the season started. Following their struggles throughout 2020, many wondered if the Spaniard made the right choice.

15 races into 2021, and it seems Sainz made the right choice. With three podiums and consistent top-10 finishes, the 27-year-old has 116.5 points so far, 0.5 more than his teammate Charles Leclerc. Recently, the ‘Smooth Operator’ spoke about the responsibility that comes attached with being a Ferrari driver.

Carlos Sainz uses Spanish analogy to highlight a Ferrari driver’s responsibility

Born in the Spanish capital of Madrid, Sainz is an avid fan of Real Madrid CF. In fact, the Spanish club announced Sainz as an honorary member earlier this year.

During an interview with Motorsport, the 27-year-old related his favorite football club to driving for Ferrari. In fact, he believed racing for the Italian outfit took on a responsibility which matched playing for the club and Spain combined.

Top Stories

Lewis Hamilton’s Diet: What Does the 7X Champ Eat in a Day?

3 Years After His Death, Niki Lauda’s Wife Brutally Disrespects Him to Initiate $32,000,000 Battle Against Own Children

Despite Being Born to $8 Million Worth Father, Blind Eye Turned to Max Verstappen’s Privilege as Close Friend Builds Bizarre Narrative

From Barista Duties for Fernando Alonso to Front Row Conquest, Lando Norris Recalls His US GP Journey

After Days of Facing Online Abuse, Esteban Ocon Receives Loving Message From GF Flavy Barla Amidst Alpine Exit

He said, “There is an extra responsibility that does not exist in other teams, and it is linked to representing not only a team, but a nation. Let’s say, it’s like playing for Real Madrid and Spain at the same time together. You are not just a club but you represent an entire country.

“Racing for the Scuderia means racing for Ferrari and for Italy, you have to be aware of the responsibility that comes with it, but in the end it is an honor.” (Quotes translated by Google)

WATCH STORY: F1 Drivers on the Football Field Featuring Hamilton, Vettel & Schumacher

Sainz: Feel honored to race for Ferrari

Despite the responsibility on a Ferrari driver’s shoulders, Sainz mentioned how he’s realising a childhood dream. He also admitted driving for the Maranello-based team instills him with pride.

“I grew up on Italian tracks racing in karts, and here I immediately touched the passion that exists in this country for Ferrari,” said the Spaniard. “I grew up with many other kids who raced in kart tracks dreaming of one day being a I am a Ferrari driver. For this reason, today that I am racing for this team I feel honored and privileged.”

While the future looks exciting for Ferrari, Sainz will look to finish this season on a high. With six races left, the Spaniard will hope to enhance the Italian outfit’s bid to beat McLaren. Whether or not he can achieve that, only time will tell.

READ MORE: Why Did Ferrari Sign Carlos Sainz?