Sainz 'even faster' than Verstappen

May 19 (GMM) Five races into his F1 career, Carlos Sainz has made an impression.

The 20-year-old arrived at Toro Rosso this year as the reigning Formula Renault 3.5 champion, but was totally overshadowed by his teenaged teammate Max Verstappen.

But Sainz has also been quick in 2015, earning the praise this week of Jenson Button, F1's most experienced current driver.

And now Nigel Roebuck, one of the longest-serving and most respected journalists in the paddock, agrees.

"I am impressed with him," he told Spain's El Confidencial newspaper.

"I just told (another renowned journalist) Maurice Hamilton that everyone talks about Verstappen, but in reality, Sainz has even been faster."

Sainz, who despite being rally legend Carlos Sainz's son does not like to be called 'Junior', says he can now feel the respect of his fellow drivers.

"I do not judge another driver without first measuring myself against them, and I think it's the same for most drivers," he said.

"So after five races I think I have earned their respect and positive opinions," Sainz told the Spanish newspaper Diario Sport.