Carlos Sainz is optimistic for the McLaren 2019 season in Formula 1, believing that the Woking team will not be able to do worse than this year anyway.
Sainz is the first driver to be announced for 2019 by McLaren, following Fernando Alonso’s announcement in August that he will retire from the sport when his fellow contract expires at the end of the year.
By leaving Honda for Renault at the end of 2017, McLaren thought Alonso could fight for podiums again this season, after claiming that he had one of the best chassis on the board last year.
Speaking to media, Sainz signalled his desire to lead McLaren back to their former glory days – something that have not taste in a decade.
“I think they are doing their homework now. They hit the bottom this year so they can only get better. We must see the positive side of things.” Sainz said.
“They’re starting from scratch and that gives me confidence. They’ve seen the problems and they want to stop them.
The Spaniard thinks McLaren’s gradual slide even further back this year is because the team has been focusing for some time on 2019.
“Now they are focusing exclusively on 2019. I think McLaren this year, be it the car or the team were not fighting for anything at the end of the season. So I hope they did bet on next year and that this was the learning.” Sainz said.
Lando Norris will partner Carlos Sainz for the 2019 Formula 1 season. (Source:www.motorpasion.com)
“Next season there is a change of regulations and it’s an opportunity to start from scratch and reach the required level.
“My current car is not bad and the McLaren is worth three or four tenths less. But the gap with the rest of the grid is a gulf and it makes them look even worse.
“It’s and odd to see Alonso nearly last, but the gaps behind the top three teams are so tight that if you’re three or four tenths behind, you seem to be light years away from the other teams.” Sainz added.
Meanwhile, McLaren chief executive Zak Brown said: “We think Carlos will be a great fit for McLaren and we’re excited to have him join us from next season and beyond.”
McLaren confirmed Lando Norris will partner Sainz for the 2019 Formula 1 season. The British driver has been part of McLaren Young Driver Programme since early 2017.
