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Carlos Sainz Sr sure son 'will surprise Ferrari fans'

Carlos Sainz Sr is predicting a prosperous future for his son Carlos Jr at Ferrari, believing the 25-year-old will "surprise" the Tifosi next season.

Sainz's move to the Scuderia, while not entirely unexpected, came out of left field in terms of its timing as few were expecting the whirlwind of changes - sparked by Sebastian Vettel's departure from the Scuderia - to occur so early in the year.

Needless to say, the Sainz household is rejoicing in the prospect of Carlos Jr racing for the House of Maranello.

"I’m happy for him, I’m very proud," Sainz Sr told Sky Sports Italy.

"He worked hard to get to Ferrari and I saw him very happy with his choice. It’s a special thing to wear the Ferrari suit and he will say so when the time comes."

Sainz puts Ferrari contract 'in a drawer' to focus on McLaren

Despite his rapid rise through the junior ranks and his promotion to Formula 1 in 2015 with Red Bull, Sainz dovetailed his studies with his racing career under the stern authority of his father.

"I was a pretty strict dad, especially when he was younger and you had to balance studying and racing," said the two-time world rally champion.

"We used to come to Italy to compete, but I didn’t want him to lose his years at school. There was a lot of competition, but I was happy to have pushed him to continue school.

"I remember the first time he was in a kart, I warned him that it would be difficult for him because of the Sainz name he was bearing. That’s when it all started.

"I soon realised that my son had a great talent, I just helped him to get there. Sometimes being called Sainz helps, but other times it doesn’t.

"I’m sure he will surprise the Ferrari fans."

But Sainz Sr also says his son will have a formidable adversary sitting on the other side of the Ferrari garage next year

"He is of the best drivers in Formula 1, but you could see that he is an exceptional driver.

"Personally, I don’t know him very well, but on the track he goes very fast, he is a great driver."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.