Carlos Sainz in discussions with McLaren
Carlos Sainz, whose current contract is set to expire at the end of the year, is reportedly already in discussions with McLaren about a possible extension.
“Only” five seasons spent in Formula 1, but Carlos Sainz is already one of the most experienced drivers.
After being designated as the successor to Fernando Alonso, the Spaniard became an architect of McLaren’s revival, which ended the 2019 season in fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Sainz even managed to secure the team’s first podium – on a green track in Brazil – since the Australian Grand Prix in 2014. This performance was seen by many as a well-deserved reward as the Spanish driver was consistently impressive throughout the 2019 season. His sixth place in the Drivers’ World Championship, clinched in the last lap in Abu Dhabi, shows how well the McLaren-Sainz duo works together.
« Obviously, it’s no secret that I’m very happy here at McLaren, and there are of course things happening behind the scenes, he tells Autosport magazine.
« We have already begun discussions, but since it’s only February, there is no reason to rush, he moderates. I have a lot of faith in this project and in the way things are progressing. »
Comments echoed by Andreas Seidl, Team Principal of McLaren. “We always like there to be clarity as soon as possible. But, on this particular subject, we’re absolutely not in a rush at the moment to make a decision or announcements. We’re now heading into the 2020 season, and we’re very happy with Carlos and Lando [Norris], with what they did last year.
The two-season agreement with McLaren marked Sainz’s first multi-year contract since his debut in the top discipline. According to him, this factor clearly influenced his performances in 2019. “I think it played a role in how the season unfolded. Having some stability always helps any athlete or race driver,” the Spanish driver added.
