Carlos Sainz insists he has no problem with Renault opting to sign Daniel Ricciardo to his seat for 2019, leaving him to look elsewhere.
The Spaniard was on loan at the Enstone squad from the Red Bull stable this season, having switched from Toro Rosso at last year’s United States GP, but his future appeared in doubt with results not matching those of teammate Nico Hulkenberg.
Initially, Esteban Ocon was linked but then, at the start of the summer break, Renault announced the surprise news of Ricciardo’s decision to move confirming Sainz’s departure.
“You’ve never heard anything bad from me towards Renault or the Ricciardo signing,” he told Motorsport.com.
“For me with Renault, the only regret I have is not having a bit more time with them to get together some better results, you know.”
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After that, the 23-year-old’s career took another unexpected twist as, rather than be promoted to Red Bull as many expected, Sainz signed at McLaren, replacing the retiring Fernando Alonso.
“I think they are still happy that I am going to McLaren with Renault power and I am sure we’re going to have a successful time,” he continued.
“But it was just the situation, the way it evolved, that I was probably a bit forced out of there, and I had to get a plan B and that plan B was McLaren.
“As soon as I got the opportunity I had to sort out my plan B and McLaren was a great option for me.”