Carlos Sainz says his low profile in the international media does not bother him.
Since debuting last year, the Spaniard has gained the respect of the F1 paddock but it is Max Verstappen who got the call up to Red Bull’s senior team as well as the high-profile comparisons to greats like Ayrton Senna.
When asked if his comparatively low profile bothers him, Toro Rosso driver Sainz answered: "I know that those in the team and around me are very happy.
"If the international press doesn’t talk about it, it matters little to me because I know formula one and the people who know say I have been good enough, or better than good enough," the 22-year-old is quoted by Marca newspaper.
Sainz was also asked about the possible poaching of Toro Rosso technical boss James Key by Ferrari.
He said: "In F1 there are always rumours in the press, sometimes just to create some tension.
"But James has always had a contract with Red Bull and Toro Rosso and so, unless something strange happens, I don’t think it will change.
"Anyway, he has already designed the 2017 car almost completely, so I’m calm," Sainz added.