Sainz replaces Alonso at McLaren for 2019 season
Carlos Sainz has been announced as Fernando Alonso’s replacement at McLaren for the 2019 Formula 1 season, ending his long-term association with Red Bull.
The Spaniard, who has been a part of the Red Bull family since 2010, will leave his current post at Renault for a seat with the British-based outfit.
Sainz has been on loan at Renault this season, with an option for Red Bull to promote him to the senior team from 2019 inserted in his contract. This clause was due to run out after September meaning Sainz has freedom to join McLaren.
“I’m delighted to finally be able to confirm that I’ll be a McLaren driver from the 2019 season,” said Sainz. It’s something I’ve been looking at for a while and I’m very excited about this next chapter in my career.
“I’ve been a McLaren fan for as long as I can remember. It’s a great name in the sport with an incredible heritage, and the list of drivers that have raced for McLaren over the years are among the heroes of Formula 1.
“Fernando is of course one of them, so it’s particularly special that I’ll be taking his seat as part of the next generation of Spanish racing drivers behind the wheel of a McLaren.
“Finally, I’d like to thank everyone at McLaren for giving me this opportunity to fulfil a childhood dream. The team has a long-term plan for the future and I’m very much looking forward to playing a key role in its journey back to success.”
McLaren chief Zak Brown admitted before the summer break he rated Sainz ‘very highly’ among the current crop of drivers and believes his blend of youth and experience means he is a “great fit” for the team.
“We’re incredibly excited to have Carlos join us as a McLaren driver,” Brown said. “We’ve been assessing him for some time now and rate him very highly among the next generation of young talent emerging through the ranks in Formula 1.
“Carlos brings with him the perfect blend of youth and experience. Although he’s just 23, he’ll be starting his fifth season in the sport with us and will bring with him a huge amount of racing experience, both in Formula 1 and with our partner Renault.
“It’s no secret that Carlos is a huge admirer of Fernando’s, and it’s fitting that he will be stepping into his seat as a Spaniard with a legendary name in motorsport. We think he’ll be a great fit for McLaren and we’re really excited to have him join us from next season and beyond.”
McLaren is yet to announce its second driver to complete its line-up for next year, with current driver Stoffel Vandoorne and reserve driver Lando Norris understood to be under consideration for the second seat.