Carlos Sainz admits he is pleased to start a “new chapter” of his Formula 1 career having now left the Red Bull stable.
Even though the Spaniard raced with Renault last season, he was there on loan from the Austrian energy drinks giant having moved from Toro Rosso as part of the deal which saw Honda leave McLaren and become the engine supplier of the junior team.
That was why, when Daniel Ricciardo announced he would leave Red Bull, many expected Sainz to replace him, instead, he chose to take the seat of his hero and mentor Fernando Alonso, cutting his ties in the process.
“I’m really grateful for Red Bull, without Red Bull I wouldn’t be sitting here today as a McLaren driver,” Sainz said initially, talking to Crash.net. “But it is true that this is now a new chapter in my career, I am kind of managing myself in a way and I am independent.
“This independence comes with a two-year contract with McLaren, something that I really wanted [was to] find my first two year deal with a team. If that team is McLaren even better!”
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Sainz heads to Woking with the British team at a tough point in their history, however, having slipped towards the back of the grid late last season despite finishing sixth in the Constructors’ Championship.
“[I’m] looking forward to it,” the 23-year-old insisted. “I’m going to be a new Carlos and I’m really looking forward to this new chapter in my life.”