Each performance executed by the driver from Madrid cements the general opinion that Sainz will clinch a Formula 1 Grand Prix win for Ferrari in the near future. His race in a rainy Sochi on Sunday served only to enforce this belief, as he demonstrated exceptional ability and seized every possible opportunity to advance in the race.

Having qualifed second, Sainz successfully converted his starting position on the front row to a podium finish which marked his fifth career podium.

He overtook race leader Lando Norris going into Turn 2 and led the race for fourteen laps before Norris regained his place at the front. Then, Sainz was forced into pitting early to change his degrading tyres from medium to hards for more durability.

Despite Ferrari telling Sainz that he could only achieve a fifth-place finish at best due to a slow exit from the pits, the team undoubtedly reacted at the right time to box throughout the race to overcome the extreme track conditions, securing this great result for the team.

Calling Sochi “definitely my best weekend for Ferrari”, he finished behind Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, who are battling to win an extremely closely contested Driver’s Championship. Sainz’s Sochi podium now places him sixth in the F1 driver standings, while Ferrari are fourth overall in the Constructor’s Championship.