Sainz admits Norris 'was on it the whole weekend' at Imola

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Ferrari's Carlos Sainz acknowledged that McLaren currently has the upper hand in F1's midfield, a fact highlighted in last weekend's Emilia Romagna GP by Lando Norris' solid drive to third.

All four McLaren and Ferrari drivers finished in consecutive order among the top-ten at Imola, with Charles Leclerc and Sainz concluding their race P4 and P5 while Daniel Ricciardo crossed the checkered flag in sixth position.

The two teams are likely set to remain in close contention for the spot as 'best of the rest' in upcoming races. However, Sainz reckons the Scuderia can outpace McLaren at specific upcoming venues.

©Ferrari

"I think it is very tight, honestly," commented the Spaniard. "It is very difficult to pick from.

"I think the McLaren has its strengths and its weaknesses. But what makes it a really nice fight is that we are quick in very different places on the track and that makes it a very fun battle."

In the first part of Sunday's race, Sainz battled closely with Norris, trading positions with the latter in a scrap that allowed him to properly assess the MCL35M's performance in the capable hands of his former McLaren teammate.

Read also: Seidl says 'flying' Norris has made 'the next step'

"It looked like in Imola, Lando did a very good job of exploiting the whole car potential, and he was on it the whole weekend especially from Saturday onwards, and he did a good race," said Sainz.

"Maybe they had a bit of the upper hand this weekend, and they had the upper hand, a tiny bit, the last two weekends.

"But as soon as we do a very good weekend and we go to a track that maybe favours us, I think we can be ahead."

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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.