F1: Max Verstappen ‘almost better’ than Lewis Hamilton, says Carlos Sainz Jr

Sainz has say on F1 rivals

GrandPX reports that McLaren driver Carlos Sainz Jr has given a “frank assessment” of some of his rivals in Formula 1.

In an interview with Spanish broadcaster Movistar Sainz Jr was asked to rate his fellow F1 drivers, including Mercedes duo Lewis Hamilton and Valterri Bottas and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

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Speaking after the Belgian Grand Prix Sainz Jr said: “Hamilton, I give a 9 or a 10. Since [Nico] Rosberg left, he’s been at a very high level with less pressure.

“Verstappen is almost better, but at Spa he did the wrong thing.

“Bottas is always there, but he doesn’t finish it off. He is at a very high level, but Hamilton has something that is difficult to explain.

“He’s so relaxed, like he’s smoking a cigar.”

Who will partner Russell at Williams?

Williams Racing deputy principal Claire Williams says there are a “handful of candidates” being considered for the team’s 2020 driver line-up.

With British racer George Russell confirmed for next season, GPFans.com reports that his current team-mate Robert Kubica and reserve driver Nicholas Latifi are battling for the final spot.

However, Claire Williams says no decision has yet been made. She told Motorsport.com: “We are looking at the 2020 seat and there is a handful of candidates.

“Robert has done a good job as well this year, it hasn’t been easy for him. The car isn’t what he would like it to be or what anyone would like it to be so it hasn’t been a good platform for him to indicate how strong he can be.

“It’s something that’s under consideration at the moment but I’m in no rush to make any decision. We’ve got to make the right decision going into next year.”