Yahoo Autos Carlos Sainz Jr. Replaces Alonso at McLaren for 2019
Just two days after Fernando Alonso revealed his retirement from Formula One and the McLaren race team at the end of this season, the company has announced his replacement for the 2019 season: Carlos Sainz Jr., currently of the Renault F1 team. McLaren has signed a multi-year deal with the 23-year old Spaniard, leaving his current seat to Renault's newest driver, Daniel Ricciardo.
You may remember Sainz was on loan to Renault from Red Bull as a part of an engine deal involving Honda powerplants. It looks now as if Red Bull will be promoting one of its Toro Rosso drivers to a Red Bull seat for next year, according to Motorsport.com.
“Carlos brings with him the perfect blend of youth and experience," McLaren CEO Zak Brown said in a statement. "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."
Sainz started racing in Formula 3 in 2012, before moving up to Formula Renault 3.5 and taking the championship there in 2014. In 2015 he moved to Toro Rosso, where he raced for three seasons before being put on loan to Renault.
“I’ve been a McLaren fan for as long as I can remember," Sainz said of the switch. "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."
McLaren has yet to announce who will fill its second seat for 2019, but Motorsport.com suggests its current driver, Stoffel Vandoorne, could be replaced by reserve driver Lando Norris.
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