Carlos Sainz confirmed at McLaren for several seasons

Carlos Sainz heads towards the team that his youth idol is about to leave Fernando Alonso, who announced Tuesday his intention not to run in F1 next season.

Loaned from Renault by Red Bull this year, Sainz initially hoped to continue its journey with the French manufacturer but the Losange managed to convince Daniel Ricciardo to try the adventure in its ranks.

From then on, two destinations emerged for the son of the double world rally champion: Red Bull, replacing the Australian, and McLaren, where his friend Alonso was responsible for advertising it internally.

“I am delighted to be able to confirm that I will be a McLaren driver from 2019, says Sainz. This is something I've been looking for for a while, and I'm excited about this new chapter in my career.

They are a big name in the sport, with an incredible history and a list of drivers who have played for them, who are among the heroes of F1. Fernando is one of them, so it's pretty special to take his seat, as the next generation of Spanish driver at McLaren. »

“Carlos brings the perfect blend of youth and experience, emphasizes executive director Zak Brown. At only 23 years old, he will begin his 5th season with us and will bring a great deal of experience, in F1 and with our partner Renault. »

From a sporting point of view, the Red Bull option was clearly the most attractive even if questions remain with the arrival of the Honda engine. However, this assumes mutual interest, and it is not certain that the energy drink giant was very excited about the idea of ​​promoting Sainz.

In addition to his old frictions with Max Verstappen from the time when the two lads teamed up at Toro Rosso, his performances at Renault this season have proven to be solid without being transcendent either. At the same time, the emergence of a Pierre Gasly only strengthened the Frenchman's standing with the decision-makers of the Austrian clan.

Sainz's arrival at McLaren automatically announces Gasly's promotion to Red Bull, barring any big last-minute surprises. The past month was not short of transfers.

The identity of the Iberian's teammate (23 years old) is not yet known. There are three main candidates to apply, including two internally. Currently starting alongside Alonso, Stoffel Vandoorne is experiencing a very complicated second campaign, which is tarnishing his reputation.

Lando Norris, McLaren reserve and 2nd in the championship Formula 2, is also on the list. The young Briton (18 years old) is looked after by Zak Brown and held in high esteem by the British team, even if his season in the antechamber of F1 turns out to be more difficult than expected.

Norris could also end up with Toro Rosso in the form of a loan, the Faenza team not having a viable candidate to replace Gasly leaving for Red Bull.

Unless there is an improbable return of Kimi Räikkönen to McLaren, mentioned a few months ago by our British colleagues, the Woking team will therefore not field a world champion for the first time since 2008. This was the year of his last Drivers title, with Lewis Hamilton.

Finally remains the track Esteban Ocon. After Ricciardo's arrival at Renault and Lawrence's takeover of Force India Stroll and his associates, the future of the Frenchman appears more and more uncertain. It seems that contacts with McLaren have gone beyond mere rumor.

Despite its current sporting setbacks, the Woking team retains a certain prestige which would make it a good base for the Norman.