Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has insisted there is no pressure to perform amid Spain's recent sporting success stories.
The 2022 British Grand Prix winner is one of two Spaniards on the grid this term, alongside Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, who has enjoyed more success this year with six podiums in the opening 12 races whilst Sainz has failed to reach the top three.
Spain has achieved success outside F1 this term with World number one Carlos Alcaraz defeating Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon after Jon Rahm had secured the Masters title in golf in April.
The women's football team also reached the World Cup final.
‘It’s a good time to be Spanish’
Although Sainz has not had the season he would have hoped for thus far, he hailed the collective success of Spain as a nation.
When asked if he was feeling pressure amid the country’s triumphant period, he told media including RacingNews365.com: “No, just proud, I guess proud for my country.
"We have this relatively small population for a country like Spain but we still seem to produce some good athletes out there, since Rafa [Nadal], Fernando, the basketball team is always good, the football team is always good.
“We seem to be doing well in sports and now with golf, tennis also, again with Alcaraz.
“It’s a good time to be Spanish and to follow sports because you have a lot of fun on the TV watching every Sunday, someone wins or someone is doing well or there is someone to support and be excited about.
“[I’m] just proud of my country and the athletes we produce.”
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