Karun Chandhok thinks 20-podium star is the ‘most underrated’ driver on the F1 grid

Follow us on Google Discover

An age-old debate within all sports is whether or not some of the biggest stars in that profession are underrated or overrated.

The debate is obviously subjective, especially as if enough people think someone is underrated or overrated, then they’re probably rated as much as they should be.

Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok has taken to X to ask how Formula 1 fans see one of the most popular stars on the grid.

There were some brilliant performances at the Australian Grand Prix and the retirements of Max Verstappen and both Mercedes opened up some opportunities at the front of the grid.

Yuki Tsunoda scored his first points of the season with a brilliant drive and both Haas cars finished in the top ten.

However, Karun Chandhok wanted to know whether people thought Sunday’s race winner Carlos Sainz was underrated.

The Spaniard stood on the top step of the podium – his 20^th finish in the top three in his F1 career – and fully deserved the plaudits he received.

He’s only raced twice since discovering he had lost his seat at Ferrari, but is doing the best job possible of putting himself in the shop window for 2025…

Karun Chandhok believes Carlos Sainz is underrated after Australian GP win

After Red Bull’s dominance in the first two races of the season, Melbourne was the first Grand Prix where Ferrari appeared to have closed the gap.

Sainz qualified ahead of Sergio Perez and should have been on pole if it wasn’t for a small mistake in turn nine during the final qualifying session.

The Spaniard was on Verstappen’s tail from the off and stayed within DRS range, however, it’s hard to know how much of an impact the 26-year-old’s brake issues had on his opening laps.

Once Verstappen was out of the race, Sainz looked comfortable and his offset tyre strategy meant he was never in danger of being caught by Charles Leclerc.

Leclerc was asked about his teammate after the race and said: “I think everybody knows Carlos’ worth in the paddock. He’s one of the highest-rated drivers in the paddock.

“He’s been extremely strong every time he was in a Formula 1 car. And he has shown it multiple times. So I don’t think he’s underrated for that. I think everybody knows Carlos’ worth.”

Chandhok has now suggested that Sainz is the most underrated driver on the grid.

Given Ferrari decided they could continue in 2025 and beyond without him, all of a sudden an incredibly quick driver is on the market for next season.

Carlos Sainz puts his best foot forward in search for 2025 seat

Posting on X the day after the race, Chandhok said: “Post race Monday poll….

“Is Carlos Sainz the most underrated driver on the current F1 grid?

“My vote is yes by the way!”

Plenty of Formula 1 fans will agree with Chandhok that Sainz is probably the most underrated driver on the grid.

Very few drivers who are performing at the level he is will be in any danger of losing their seats for 2025.

However, no team is going to turn down the opportunity to sign Lewis Hamilton which has left him in a unique position.

Red Bull are suddenly taking notice of Sainz again for the first time since his Toro Rosso days.

Chandhok thinks Mercedes would be silly not to continue a straight swap next year, while Audi will hope both parties don’t make concrete bids for the 29-year-old.