McLaren has confirmed Carlos Sainz will replace the departing Fernando Alonso in 2019 on a two-year deal.
Earlier this week, the double world champion announced he would be leaving Formula 1 after 17 seasons with the expectation being he'll compete in IndyCar as he attempts to win the Indianapolis 500 and complete the 'Triple Crown'.
Instantly, his fellow Spaniard was named as his likely successor and so that has proven with the 23-year-old opting not to join Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen, but instead replace his hero and mentor at the Woking-based team.
“I’m delighted to finally confirm that I’ll be a McLaren driver from the 2019 season," Sainz said. "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 F1.
“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."
Though there has been some criticism aimed at Sainz for his results this season at Renault, there is no doubting he remains a driver that can become a major player on the grid in the future and it is that potential which CEO Zak Brown is keen to tap into.
“We’re incredibly excited to have Carlos join us as a McLaren driver," he commented.
"We’ve been assessing him for some time now and rate him very highly among the next generation of young talent emerging through the ranks in F1.
“Carlos brings with him the perfect blend of youth and experience. 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 F1 and with our partner Renault.
“It’s no secret that Carlos is a huge admirer of Fernando’s, and it’s fitting that he will be stepping into his seat as a Spaniard with a legendary name in motorsport.
"We think he’ll be a great fit for McLaren and we’re really excited to have him join us from next season and beyond.”
As of yet, there is no word on who'll be partnering Sainz, with current McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne under pressure to perform after a difficult first season-and-a-half.
F2 driver and member of the junior program Lando Norris is one name mentioned as are the current Force India drivers, with Lance Stroll set to take one of the seats there in 2019 at the latest.
