Sainz seeks Alonso advice

Carlos Sainz Jr says he will seek out Fernando Alonso for advice as he prepares to fill the two-time world champion's shoes at McLaren in 2019. Sainz penned a "multi-year" deal with McLaren last week to replace his hero and close friend, who is set to make a full-time switch to IndyCar.

McLaren's inability to produce a competitive car in recent years, whether with Honda or Renault power units, has not only cost numerous high-profile members of staff their jobs, but has now seen Alonso take the decision to leave F1 at the end of the year,

Sainz will be one of the men tasked with revitalising the team's fortunes from 2019, although he will be looking for some advice from his predecessor.

"We've both been on holidays so because of that there hasn't been much of a contact," Sainz told Motorsport.

"When it comes to Spa I will talk with him and will start having conversations with him about next year and how to approach the year.

"And for sure he will let me know the people there and all that, he will give me good contacts."

McLaren made bold promises of challenging for podiums and race wins with Renault in 2018, but Alonso's fifth-place finish at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix remains their best result of the season.

And Sainz steered clear of making any predictions for the team' performances next year, when the influence of Gil de Ferran and Andrea Stella will start to be felt more keenly on the team.

"I don't know, because I haven't been in touch with the factory yet," Sainz said.

"I haven't been in touch with the people there. I just have been in touch with the management. Obviously the management is positive and I am very positive about the project.

"But until I get inside the project and start talking with the engineers, and anything like that, I won't be able to judge that."