Sainz has no regrets at burning Red Bull chance

Carlos Sainz says he has no regrets about effectively costing himself the chance to race for Red Bull by moving to Renault at the end of 2017. Last year, when Red Bull needed a replacement for the Renault-bound Daniel Ricciardo, Spaniard Sainz was a contender but ultimately Pierre Gasly got the call.

Ricciardo's move ultimately booted Sainz out of Renault, where he raced throughout 2018, as well as the tail-end of the previous year after Jolyon Palmer lost his spot on the French squad.

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"It could have gone either way, me or Gasly," Sainz told AS.

"But I know that when I left Toro Rosso to go to Renault I really lost my ticket to go to Red Bull.

"And I did it consciously and I still believe that it was a good decision for my future."

With a two-year deal in his pocket at McLaren, Sainz says he has "tranquillity" in 2019.

"As you can see, I am calmer and happier than ever," he said.

"I look at my experience with Red Bull only as positive because without them I would not have been in F1.

"Yes there were times when I would have liked more independence to make my own decisions, but deep down I must be very grateful.

"Right now, if you're not in Red Bull, Ferrari or Mercedes, I think the best place to be is still McLaren. I prefer to be here with a two-year contract and I would not change my seat for anything."

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