Hamilton praises Ferrari driver: 'Have a lot of respect for him'

It was announced in early February that Carlos Sainz will leave Ferrari. The Spaniard has been driving a strong season since then. Therefore, his replacement, Lewis Hamilton, speaks highly of the three-time race winner.

Sainz, despite having to miss the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, has had a great start to the season. He was on the podium in three of the four races in which he was in action. In Australia, the Ferrari driver was even on the top step. Many teams are, therefore, keeping an eye on Sainz.

Hamilton is impressed by the man he will replace at Ferrari from next season. He said: "I've got a lot of respect for Carlos, and I think it's been great to see his progress as a driver. I think he's been doing an amazing job."

The Briton continued: "I just continue to see the great bond that he has with his dad, which I can relate to. From an outside space, he seems like a very straightforward person, quite funny, that's as far as it goes in terms of how much I know him.