Carlos Sainz Provides an Update Regarding His McLaren F1 Contract

Carlos Sainz has revealed that contract negotiations with McLaren are already underway. The Spaniard joined the Woking-based outfit in 2019 and had his best season in F1. Sainz has disclosed that he is content with McLaren and the direction the team is headed in.

Carlos Sainz provides Contract update

Sainz finished the season a brilliant sixth in the Drivers’ Championship. A remarkable feat considering it was the Spaniard’s first season with the team. Other highlights of the season included a surprise podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Some would argue that it was due to others’ misfortune, but the results do not change.

Sainz’s impressive performances ensured Mclaren would finish 4th in the Constructors’ standings. A phenomenal step up for the team which was to used to languishing at the bottom of the table.

Speaking at McLaren’s 2020 car launch, Sainz said:

“Obviously it’s not a secret that I’m very happy here at McLaren,”

“There’s obviously been some things going on in the background. We started to talk already

“We’re going to take it easy as we’re in February, so there’s no rush at all. But I’m not going to hide that I’m very happy here, I have a lot of faith in this project and the way it’s panning out at the minute.”

One of the key necessities for Sainz was team stability. The Spaniard had turned into a bit of a nomad in the F1 paddock, having shifted between teams in short durations. Sainz drove for Toro Rosso, Renault and Mclaren in 2017,18 and 19.

Additionally, Sainz shares a healthy relationship with teammate Lando Norris. The duo often engages in light-hearted banter, but work as a unit on track to deliver results for the team.

Team principal Andres Seidl had words of praise for his drivers and echoed Sainz’s satisfaction with the team.

“Especially on this topic, there’s no rush to make any decisions or announcements. We’re just going into 2020, we are very happy with Carlos and Lando, with what they’ve done last year.

“It’s important for us as a team to make the next step, I’m sure they can also make the next step from the learnings last year, so I don’t think there’s any need to change anything moving ahead,” said Seidl.

Mclaren has implemented structural changes in the team and performed a major reshuffle in management. This seems to have worked for the British team, who are heading in the right direction.