The McLaren outfit has begun talks with Renault’s Carlos Sainz Jr. as potential replacement for outgoing Fernando Alonso for next year.
On Tuesday, McLaren confirmed that Alonso will leave Formula 1 at the end of the season, possibly to continue his IndyCar career in the United States.
Sainz, who joined Toro Rosso in 2015, 2016, and 2017, had struggled since joining Renault this year, but had a positive start to the 2018 season scoring in five of the first six races.
According to reports, McLaren and Sainz will sign a two-year deal (2019 and 2020) but it is unclear for the moment who will be the teammate of Sainz at McLaren. If Stoffel Vandoorne’s contract is not extended, then the recruit Lando Norris could be called in team.
Speaking to reporters, McLaren boss Zak Brown believed Sainz as a good F1 race driver but stressed the team first needs to established what Alonso’s plans are before it can settle on its line-up.
“As Fernando said, he is not yet sure what he wants to do, what he wants to drive, so those are scenarios that we are working through and talking to a variety of drivers,” Brown said.
“But we keep those conversations internal and ultimately it is a bit of a group decision about what we will do with drivers. As far as having two drivers from the same nationality, we are fine with that.” Brown added.
Carlos Sainz is contracted to Red Bull but on loan at Renault in 2018. (Source:www.sport360.com)
Sainz is contracted to Red Bull on loan at Renault this season, and his future appears to depend on what Austria’s company does with Australian Daniel Ricciardo who will move to Renault.
Despite the uncertainty about his future, the 23-year-old driver admitted he will be happy with what Red Bull and Renault agree next season.
“I feel in control of my own future. I feel my management is in control of my own future. Red Bull and Renault are going to do the best possible thing for me so I have full trust in those parties and from my side I’m sure I will l be happy where I will be next year.” Sainz said to reporters.
