Former Formula 1 driver Pedro de la Rosa is warning Carlos Sainz not to join McLaren in 2019 and race alongside fellow Spaniard Fernando Alonso.
The current Renault driver is facing something of an uncertain future with Esteban Ocon linked to his seat and Daniel Ricciardo set to remain at Red Bull, with the second generation driver first in line for a promotion to the Milton Keynes outfit.
With Stoffel Vandoorne’s poor record of results this season, the chance to create a Spanish ‘dream team’ has been touted, particularly given the long relationship Sainz and Alonso have had with the 23-year-old idolising the double world champion.
“I think it would be better if they were not together,” De la Rosa was quoted by F1i.com.
“Being Fernando’s teammate is very difficult, so I prefer that someone other than Carlos suffers.
“I would prefer if Carlos gathers two or three more years of experience and then face a beast like Fernando.”
The long-time McLaren test driver, who also raced with the team on nine occasions, does think Renault, where Sainz is currently on loan, would make a mistake in letting him go.
On the rumours over his future, however, Sainz is remaining coy.
“I cannot comment on it,” he said at a press conference last week.
“Nothing changes until my future is decided by Red Bull or if Ricciardo doesn’t sign a deal etc. My future is still uncertain and I’m not linked with any other team yet.”
Alonso’s own future with McLaren is yet to be decided also, with the 37-year-old claiming he will think about it “on the beach”.
