Sainz: Toro Rosso are on the level of Williams

Rookie Carlos Sainz believes that Toro Rosso must capitalise on its strong start to the 2015 season, as in the STR10 they have a handy car to do the business.

The Spaniard, and his fellow rookie teammate Max Verstappen, have had a strong start as they currently sitting ahead of McLaren, Lotus, Force India and even the senior team Red Bull in the constructors’ standings.

Not only that, Sauber is within grasp and even the former Mercedes challenger Williams is not far away, 20-year-old Sainz was quoted in China by El Confidencial.

But he warned that the situation may not last, “The car is very nice to drive, but this is only the beginning of the year. Our goal must be to use this opportunity at the start to get a lot of points, as Force India did last year.

“As the season progresses,” he admitted, “there will be teams like Red Bull and McLaren that will improve and get ahead of us.

“There is a very interesting battle between Sauber, Lotus and us,” said Sainz. “While Red Bull struggles they will fight with us, but I think they will go ahead in the next few races.”

But that doesn’t mean the Toro Rosso is not a good car on merit. A team insider even referred to the STR10 as a “rocket”, given that the Renault engine is not the best on the grid.

Sainz agreed: “I think we have a great car in the corners. In terms of downforce and cornering we are on the level of Williams, we just need more top speed, but hopefully it will come during the year and we can start fighting with them.”

Daniel Ricciardo, the lead driver for senior team Red Bull, agreed: “You have to take your hats off to them (Toro Rosso).

“The team and the drivers have done everything right. For us it is frustrating, but we know why we are behind them.

“Without wanting to detract from their performance,” the Australian added, “if we get our problems under control, we will put our noses in front again.”