I May Join Alonso Next Season – Sainz

Renault driver Carlos Sainz Jr has been on loan to the French outfit for the 2018 campaign. However, his future at Red Bull is uncertain as Daniel Ricciardo inches closer to a new contract. Now, reports have linked the Spaniard with a move to McLaren next season, possibly teaming up with compatriot Fernando Alonso. But the 23-year-old only wants to secure his future for the next two years.

“At this stage of the year, again, my future is uncertain like it has been in the last three, which means I’m used to it,” he said. “I know how to live with it. Hopefully I’ll be looking forward to signing a two-year deal with my future team to make sure the next year I’m not in this position again. You get fed up of always hearing the same answer by a racing driver, but that’s our job.

The Spaniard finished 12th at the German Prix last weekend, nearly seven places behind team-mate Nico Hulkenberg. However, his performance still caught the eye of McLaren chief Zak Brown. He hopes to recruit the 23-year old alongside Alonso as his team look forward to next season.

“We think Carlos Sainz is a very good race car driver,” Brown said. “This is the time of year where you talk to a lot of drivers as we have two seats that we are trying to fill. Fernando 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.

But, before anything can be sorted, the teams will have to look ahead to the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend. It will be important for McLaren to qualify well here as overtaking isn’t easy and the Hungaroring is a high downforce circuit.