Carlos Sainz Jr is adamant that his results during the first five races of the season prove that he deserved a seat at Toro Rosso.
The Spaniard, who drives alongside teenager Max Verstappen for the Red Bull sister team, has picked up points in three of the five Grands Prix since making his debut.
Sainz says that he is keen to prove his worth to anyone who still believes that he does not merit a place on the Formula 1 grid.
He is quoted by Crash.net as saying: "It feels great - exactly like I was planning and imagining to do when the season started.
"They have chosen me for F1 and Toro Rosso, but I still see people have doubts, so it is my time to show everyone that Red Bull was right.
"After these first five races, I finally start to feel more comfortable in F1. It is still only the fifth race and there is a long way to go, but at least it has been a positive start."
Sainz is ahead of teammate Verstappen in the drivers' standings.
Chris O'Keefe
