Spaniard Sainz, 23, is currently driving for Renault on loan from Red Bull
McLAREN have signed up Carlos Sainz to replace Fernando Alonso next season.
Sainz, 23, is currently driving for Renault on loan from Red Bull, but has been allowed to join the Woking based team.
The Spaniard has raced in 72 GPs and will have the huge task of filling the shoes left vacant by his countryman, Alonso, who will not race in F1 next season.
Sainz said: “I’m delighted to finally be able to confirm that I’ll be a McLaren driver from the 2019 season. 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 One.
“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.”
Renault's Sainz with fellow Spaniard Alonso at a press conference in Barcelona in May
Sainz was being forced out of Renault by the arrival of Danniel Ricciardo
McLaren CEO Zak Brown had hoped that Daniel Ricciardo would fill the void left by Alonso, however, the Aussie decided to join Renault instead, forcing Sainz out.
The Woking-based team have struggled this season, despite swapping engines from Honda to Renault.
Brown added: “We’re incredibly excited to have Carlos join us as a McLaren driver. 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 One.
“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 One 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.”
Source : thesun.co.uk
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