Carlos Sainz’s dad makes emphatic Norris prediction after star’s Red Bull remark

Lando Norris says champagne celebration can 'go wrong'

The father of Carlos Sainz has praised Lando Norris as “one of the best drivers” in Formula One and backed the McLaren ace to end his long wait for his maiden victory. The Spaniard watched his son, Ferrari star Carlos, grab his second victory with the Scuderia at the Singapore Grand Prix after a thrilling battle to the finish at the Marina Bay Street Circuit on Sunday. And he believes it is Norris’ turn next to taste success.

Norris finished only eight tenths of a second behind Sainz as the 28-year-old became the first non-Red Bull driver to seal a race win in 2023, with Max Verstappen winning 12 times and Sergio Perez crowned twice on the top of the podium.

Norris has now finished second on three occasions this season, and when asked about finishing as runner-up to Sainz Jr he said the result was “in the wrong order”. But Sainz Sr, who is a well-known name in motor racing as a rally driver, thinks it’s only a question of ‘when’ not ‘if’ that the Briton gets the elusive first win.

“I know Lando well from the time in McLaren,” he told Sky Sports. “He’s, first of all, a super driver, and, more important, he’s a nice person – it is a pleasure always to spend time with him, to play golf with him.

Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive tennis news.

READ MORE Sainz and Norris ‘buying each other drinks’ after teaming up to stop Hamilton[INSIGHT]

“I know he’s a good friend of Carlos, and in that circle, I am a little bit closer to him – he’s a super guy and super intelligent.

“For sure, he’s one of the best drivers out there, and it is just a matter of time [before he takes victory]. I’m sure when it [the chance to win] comes, he will grab it, and it will be great for him and all the fans.”

Norris is currently ninth in the Drivers’ Championship but he has been thriving since McLaren updated their car with significant upgrades after a dismal start to the season. The 24-year-old had expressed his frustration at failing to claim a win this season due to the pace of the Red Bulls, but said he has enjoyed his battles with the ‘best of the rest’.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

DON’T MISS
Lance Stroll confirms when he’ll return to F1 after injury ahead of Japanese GP[NEWS]
Brundle pinpoints how Verstappen escaped nailed-on punishment in Singapore[OPINION]
Lewis Hamilton warned as Red Bull claim poor Singapore GP will help Verstappen[REACTION]

Speaking after the race, Norris told Sky Sports F1: “If Red Bull weren’t here, then I’d have had two race wins already. I think there has always been great battles for the ‘best of the rest’ pack.

“[The] best of the rest, I would say, is not just us [Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes] – I don’t think Aston Martin are far behind. I think it’s great – often if you didn’t have the best team there, the best team always seems to be dominant and take away the show from the rest of it.”

Now that his good friend Sainz has added another trophy to his cabinet, Norris will be hoping to stand on the top step of the podium as the teams head to Suzuka on Wednesday for the Japanese Grand Prix. However, he is yet to finish above 10th in his two race starts in the Far East.

Source: Read Full Article