Fernando Alonso has backed fellow Spaniard Carlos Sainz to enjoy a "great future" in Formula 1.
Last year was something of a breakout year for the second-generation driver as he stepped into the seat left by the double world champion at McLaren.
Not only did he score his first podium in F1 after inheriting third in Brazil, but he also finished ahead of both Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly to finish sixth in the Drivers' Championship.
However, for all the attention Sainz is now getting, Alonso believes he has also performed at a high level.
“Carlos is doing great, not only last year,” he told Sky Sports ahead of Sunday night’s Virtual GP around Barcelona.
“I think last year the whole team did a good season and Carlos was there in the right moment, in the right place. But I think from the very beginning; already for Toro Rosso, he was doing a very good job.
“He had Max Verstappen as a teammate at the beginning, which is never the easiest thing, and then he had Nico Hulkenberg in Renault, so he always had tough competition and he was always very, very competitive.
“I think it's great for the country, good for Spain and I think he will have a great future.”
Sainz is also being considered to essentially repeat Alonso's career by following stints at McLaren and Renault with a move to Ferrari in 2021, replacing the departing Sebastian Vettel.
So far, however, the 25-year-old has been coy on such prospects.
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