Back to the Auto Racing Newsfeed

ESPN's driver of the year countdown: No. 7 - Carlos Sainz

Related Topics: Carlos Sainz, Helmut Marko

Our countdown of 2017's best drivers continues with a driver who impressed not just for one team this season but two.

6. Carlos Sainz
Championship position: 9th (54 points)

Carlos Sainz created some headaches for Red Bull this year. While few would argue that Helmut Marko's decision to promote Max Verstappen ahead of the Spaniard last year was the wrong one, Sainz's performances since have highlighted his long-term potential in F1. At the risk of seeing a genuine talent become increasingly frustrated at Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso, a deal was agreed with the Renault works team for Sainz to join on loan from the U.