Carlos Sainz should be "very proud" of first half of season

Sainz penned his first multiple-year contract this season since coming into Formula 1, teaming up with rookie Lando Norris. After a bit of a rocky start in the few three races, which included some unlucky qualifying outings and a mechanical DNF for Sainz, the 24-year-old has been nothing short of sensational.

In a midfield which can be incredibly unpredictable, Sainz is often finishing at the top of it, which is why he leads the midfield battle by a whopping 27 points. He's also just five points behind Red Bull Racing's Pierre Gasly, which shows both how good Sainz' season has been as well as how bad the first 12 races have been for the Frenchman in the RB15.

"Whilst mention should be made of Lando Norris' efforts in qualifying, which have been exemplary for a rookie, it's the racing where you score points and Carlos Sainz has taken every opportunity that has come his way this season," Croft writes for Sky Sports.

"Two fifth places in a row in Germany and Hungary, in different conditions, shows the consistency of a driver that has stepped up to the plate, and upped his game, to lead McLaren's charge in 2019.

"His one DNF was due to mechanical failure and since Azerbaijan he has only finished one race outside of the top eight - which is stunning consistency.

"The fact that he's now just five points behind Pierre Gasly proves his worth to a team we are all glad to see are on the up in 2019."

There is no doubt Sainz has been one of the better performers so far this season, pound for pound. Where would you rank him among the best drivers this season?