stormed to pole in qualifying for the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix, of༒fering a remind♓er of his talents.

The outgoing Ferrari driver will lose his seat to꧋ Lewis Hamilton next year, and has signed for Williams as a result.

But his brilliant performance in quꩵalifying in Mexico prompted claims that Sainzꦬ should be driving a more competitive car in 2025.

“A midfield team attracting a driver from a top team is ve🔜ry rare,” Sky Sports’ Karun Chaܫndhok said.

“It’s a massive coup for James Vowles and ꧒the team, a brilliant job to get him there.

“I still feel it’s 🦋a s𒉰hame we won’t see him in a Red Bull or a Mercedes next year.”

Both Red Bull and Mercedes - and even Aston Martin - were briefly options on the tꦐable for Sainz.

But Aston Martin swiftly tied down Fernando Alonso to a new deal, while Red Bull reaffirmed their☂ fa🦩ith in Sergio Perez rather.

Mercedes took their time and ad🦹mitted their interest in Sainz but plumped for Kimi Antonelli to replace Hamilton.

Sainꦗz was hot property and Willia🅺ms beat off interest from Alpine and Sauber.

Chandhok added: “Two laps were gooꦐd enough for pole.

“He has been on top form in Austin and here. He was unlucky with fuel so had the manage the race in Austi๊n.

“It’s baffling that he’s not going to be in a top fou𒁃r seat next year.

“The guy is delivering at th𒊎e top level. It’s baffling.”

Danica Patrick added: “It’s been super impressive, his commitment and focus to Ferrari🗹 to finish the season as he has.

🌸“He’s been incred𝔉ible all year, and had such a challenge with where to go and what to do.

“He’s been solid all year, I hop♚e he gets a win fꩵor himself.

“When you watch t𒁏hat lap, h💝is hands are so steady. He takes so much curve. The car is underneath him.”

Chandhok replied: “He’s alwa༒ys been a smooth driver. He’s thinking, as well.

“As he sensesꦉ wheel spin, he goes up a gear, he’s always trying to accelerate.

“He’s ve🌃ry cerebral. It was a brilliantly exec𒆙uted lap.”