F1: Sainz says Alonso's tough '15 was a big lesson

Carlos Sainz Jr. says fellow Spaniard and double world champion Fernando Alonso was a good role model for him during his rookie Formula 1 season.

Sainz finished 15th in the drivers' standings, scoring points on seven occasions but having his season compromised by seven retirements. Alonso had a tougher 2015, scoring points just twice as the reformation of the McLaren-Honda alliance encountered a series of setbacks.

Sainz said watching the way Alonso dealt with his season proved to be a useful learning experience.

"He's a very good role model," Sainz said of the Spaniard. "He's now going though a tough moment in his career, so it is interesting to see how he reacts, how he still switches on and how he deals with all these things.

"It's interesting to see, to observe, to learn. Last year was all about learning. Fernando doesn't need to advise me because I always look and observe him.

"He hasn't come to me and said, 'Maybe try this or think about doing that.' Just by speaking to him in the drivers' parade, as you see me always, or around in the paddock. I can learn from him. It's been a bit like a mirror, where to see yourself."

Sainz said it was disappointing not have scored as many points as he could have because of unreliability but his bosses are aware of his potential.

"It's not nice to see you don't have all the points you deserve on the table," he said. "But in the end, the people's view that I care about – Red Bull and Toro Rosso – they know all the points I could have now, they have done the calculation.

"I think more than one would be surprised to see the amount of points i could have in my bag without the reliability issues. From the calculations I have seen, I could have been a lot higher up, but you never know.

"At the end, you have to take it. This is sport, sometimes you don't just depend on yourself. Hopefully in 2016, all this will be solved and we can go for it properly."

Originally on Autosport.com