Carlos Sainz believes the different targets he has with McLaren means there is no pressure in replacing Fernando Alonso.
The Spaniard had little hesitation in agreeing to take over from his childhood hero and mentor for 2019 but it’s a move that will result in obvious comparisons and the expectation of eventually living up to the double world champion’s legacy.
With time on his side, however, Sainz isn’t in a rush to do so and is more focused on the task ahead at the British team.
“This year we’re not fighting for any world titles. It’s not the same situation as Fernando maybe back in the day, or anything like this. I’m impatient to win, but I don’t need to win now or never. I’m still 24, I can take it a bit easier,” he was quoted by GPBlog.com.
“Maybe the biggest amount of pressure in the team is because I want to be part of this recovery plan, I want to be part of his restructuring stuff.
“I think what Fernando did, the results he did, I respect it a lot. But I don’t feel the pressure of stepping into his shoes. Fernando is Fernando, and Carlos Sainz is Carlos Sainz.”
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Looking forward to 2019, the second generation driver also called for patience with the aero changes being introduced for this year, aimed at promoting more overtaking.
“I think we need to accept them or at least test them, go two or three races with them, and see if it works or not,” he said.
“To criticise these new regulations without even putting the cars on track is bad towards the people that have decided them.
“So let’s be patient, let’s give them a chance. I will be the first one to say if I feel it’s been beneficial or if it has made it any worse, which could also be a good point.”
