stormed to pole in qualifying for the F1 Mexico Ci🐽ty Grand Prix, o🔜ffering a reminder of his talents.

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

But his brilliant performance in qualifying in Mexico prompted claims that Sainz should be driving a more competitive car𝓡 in 2025.

“A midfield team attracting a driver from a top team is very rare,” Sky Sports’ Karun ♕Chandhok said.

“It’s a massive coup for James Vowles and the team, 🐼a brilliant job to get him ther✨e.

“I still feel ♔it’s a shame we won’t see him in a Re⛎d Bull or a Mercedes next year.”

Both Red Bull and Merce🌄des - and even Aston Martin - were briefly options on the table for Sainz.

But Aston Martin swiftly tied down Fernando Alonso to a new deal, while Red Bull reaffirmed their faith in Sergio Pere𓂃z rather.

Merceඣdes took their time and admitted their interest in Sainz but plumped for Kimi Antonelli to replace Hami🉐lton.

Sainz was hot property and Williamꦯs beat off interest from Alpine and Sauber.

Chandhok added: “Two laps were gooꦗd 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 Austin.

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

“The guy is delivering at the top level. It’s baf🦋fling.”

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

“He’s been incredible all year, and had such a chal🎉lenge with where ൲to go and what to do.

“He’s been solid all year, I hope he gets a win 🃏for himself.

“When you watch that lap, his hands are so ♛steady. He takes so much curveไ. The car is underneath him.”

Chandhok replied: “He’s always been a smooth driver.🍎 He’s thinking, as well.

“As he senses wheel spin, he goes up a gear, he’s a🔯lways trying to⭕ accelerate.

“He’s very cerebral. It was🦂 a brilliantly executed lap.”