Carlos Sainz is hoping he can maintain his current relationship with Fernando Alonso and that his fellow countryman remains with McLaren in some capacity in 2019.
The current Renault driver has the privilege of replacing the double world champion at the British team next season and has enjoyed a long friendship with Alonso, learning from him as much as he has with Red Bull.
While obviously happy at the opportunity he has to come, Sainz admits he hopes the departure of the 37-year-old from the grid doesn't have a negative impact on that bond the pair have.
“Probably Fernando and myself are the most open drivers between each other,” he said. “If we have to tell each other a little secret, we do tell it, because of the trust.
“I hope next year, it is maybe a bit more, now that he will not be in F1 and we are not on-track rivals any more. Hopefully we can keep that relationship and develop it because I think it can only be positive for me.
“I know that I can always pick up the phone and give him the call because every time I have needed him on something, he’s been there for me,” he concluded.
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Sainz doesn't just want to have the wisdom of Alonso at hand to himself either, believing he can bring plenty to McLaren as a team as they look to rebuild.
“A figure like Fernando will always give you a bit more confidence, especially as he has been around for so long so he knows what the team needs to do,” the 23-year-old claimed.
“Even if he doesn’t support me – but I’m sure he will – McLaren might also need a figure like him. I don’t know if he will stay or not.
“It’s probably a question to the management more than to me. He’s always an important figure wherever he goes.”
The top management at Woking appear to agree though, with CEO Zak Brown acknowledging Sainz and Alonso's relationship.
“It will certainly not hurt. As he stated, he’s a huge fan of Fernando’s,” the American said.
“It feels special to him and I think that is what you want from a driver, you want them to feel like they are in a special environment. Fernando being around, maybe from his point of view, he feels like he’s replacing Fernando.
“To him, if that feels special and motivates him, then that is a great thing.”
