Mario Andretti claims Carlos Sainz has 'the makings' of an F1 World Champion

With many team principals already making a bid on the one-of-a-kind talent, the former racing driver, Mario Andretti, has made a bold claim about Sainz. The Italian-American believes Sainz has the potential to win a World Championship.

I have always maintained that Carlos, like Charles, has the makings of a world champion. We have seen it repeatedly and we will continue to see it. In Melbourne, Carlos has managed to put everything in order from the beginning and has had better feelings with the SF -24. Mario Andretti via: gazzetta.it

Andretti believes that with or without Max Verstappen’s incident in the race, Sainz would have won the Australian GP. During the recent weekend, Ferrari had the pace throughout practice sessions, qualifying and the race itself. After Melbourne, the Italian outfit is a mere four points behind Red Bull in the 2024 constructors’ championship.

Ex-world champion not pleased with Ferrari’s iconic 2025 move

At the start of February, the news of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 took the internet by storm. With Hamilton coming into the team, Carlos Sainz lost his seat for next year. The 29-year-old himself was negotiating terms for a contract extension with the Maranello-based team, but Fred Vasseur and Co. had something else in mind.

The former world champion, Mario Andretti, is dissatisfied with this decision.

To make room for Hamilton. I dislike it. But I'm sure he (Sainz) will find a great midfielder, he has earned a top team for the future. Mario Andretti said: gazzetta.it

Carlos Sainz is currently the most sought-after prospect in the driver’s market. His podiums in Bahrain and Australia, only add further to his glory. The Spaniard still remains the only non-Red Bull driver to win a race in recent times. He has all the skills in his arsenal to become a future world champion and who knows, if the stars align, people might see him dawning the blue gear of the mighty Red Bull F1 team next year.