Photo: Race Pictures

Sainz backs Norris for the title amid 'last year still hurts' remark

11:20, 04 Dec

Updated: 11:27, 04 Dec

1 Comments

byTobia Elia

Carlos Sainz sees Lando Norris as the clear favourite heading into the title decider in Abu Dhabi.

“(Abu Dhabi) is one of his best tracks at driving and the win he took last year in front of me still hurts”

- Carlos Sainz

Speaking to the media on the eve of the Abu Dhabi weekend, the Spaniard feels Norris may have the edge at a circuit that naturally suits him — the same place where he delivered one of his standout performances last year, sealing the constructors’ title for McLaren right in front of Sainz and Ferrari.

“I do have an interest, obviously, and I will be following very closely,” he told GPblog. “Also, I think everyone knows how well I get on with Lando and obviously I wish Lando the best possible outcome in that sense. I also have a lot of respect for Max and Oscar and I wish them the best.

“I think Abu Dhabi is a Lando track. It's good for him that the finale is in Abu Dhabi, which from my experience being his teammate here, is one of his best tracks at driving and the win he took last year in front of me still hurts. And he dominated last year's race in front of me and I knew it's a Lando track and it's a McLaren track, so I think he plays with that advantage.”

Carlos Sainz. Photo: RacePictures

Even so, Sainz stressed that all the pressure will be on the Briton, who will need to piece together a flawless weekend to bring the title home.

“Going into the last weekend having to finish on the podium is never easy, even if you drive a McLaren and I think he needs to execute a perfect weekend and I believe he, given how well he's responded under pressure recently, I think he can do it.”

Bortoleto backs Verstappen for the title

Unlike the Spaniard, the Brazilian believes the four-time world champion fully deserves the title based on his body of work this season and the fightback he’s mounted since the summer break, even if he admits that clawing back another 12 points in a single race will be a tall order.

Bortoleto also pointed out that there aren’t many cars capable of getting between Red Bull and McLaren, though he still expects the battle to be “super close.”

Here’s what he had to say during media day in Abu Dhabi.

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