Sainz comments on replacing Alonso at McLaren, citing McLaren as his favourite childhood team and Fernando Alonso as his hero
Carlos Sainz is ecstatic to have signed for McLaren as it was his childhood dream to drive for the illustrious team.
Sainz has been brought in as a replacement for Alonso, as the Spaniard released a statement regarding his retirement from the sport a couple of days back.
Speculation regarding a move for Sainz were doing the rounds, but his contract with Red Bull was turning out to be a hindrance. However, with McLaren’s announcement, it seems that Red Bull and McLaren worked out a deal.
Sainz came up with a very emotional statement after being announced as the McLaren driver. He spoke about his childhood and about the magnitude of replacing Fernando Alonso.
“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 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.” Sainz said.
