Carlos Sainz is setting his McLaren ambitions much further forward than the initial two years that he has signed for as he hopes to lead the British team back to the top in Formula 1.
Following Fernando Alonso's announcement early last week that he will leave the sport at the end of 2018, his fellow countryman was quickly confirmed as his replacement, choosing Woking over Milton Keynes and Red Bull.
"I think it's the right place for me at the right time," Sainz was quoted by F1i.com. "The team is being rebuilt and everything is focused on getting back to the front.
"I have a contract for two years, but the intention is to stay longer and achieve successes together."
While it was thought that decision would see him leave the driver stable at the Austrian energy drinks giant, the 23-year-old has hinted the door is still left open for a future move.
"I can only be grateful to Red Bull for giving me the opportunity to reach Formula 1 and drive for different teams," he said. The fact that I didn't end with a Red Bull seat does not mean that it will never happen."
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There had been suggestions before the McLaren move was announced that former Toro Rosso teammate Max Verstappen was blocking his promotion to the senior team, based on the fraught relationship they had in 2015, early 2016.
"I don't know where that comes from, because Max is one of the drivers I have the best relationship within the paddock," Sainz told Dutch publication Formule 1. "He would never do that."
