Alonso worthy of at least five world titles - Sainz

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Carlos Sainz Jr. just quelled any doubts one may have about the Toro Rosso driver's level of admiration of country man Fernando Alonso.

Sainz, who has never hidden the fact that the two-time world champion is his ultimate role model in Formula 1, believes Alonso would have won a few more world championships had he benefitted from better machinery.

"It's like he has won five or six [championships]," said Sainz, according to Autosport.com.

"What he did with that Ferrari those years was something not many people could do and what he is doing with the McLaren is standing out.

"It's just a number, the world championships. If you ask the whole paddock, everyone agrees he's one of the best in history.

"Championships depends on the car or being in the right place at the right moment. What really makes your career and your respect, like Senna did, is your performance every year."

With their respective teams performing on similar levels , Sainz and Alonso have been racing each other quite often lately. But Fernando Alonso believes he now has the upper hand over his junior, thanks to the McLaren's progress of late.

"We fight because the car performance is similar and we're always starting in similar positions," noted Alonso.

"Thanks to the latest improvement of McLaren and with our new spec of engine with Honda, we've taken advantage and we are nearly 20 points in the constructors' championship and also well ahead on the drivers.

"I hope there is no more competition and in Abu Dhabi we are clear of that battle."

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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.