Dear McLaren family: A letter from Carlos Sainz

McLaren

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Dear McLaren family: A letter from Sainz

'I rarely express myself on a blank piece of paper, but here it goes'

Sam Hall

Thursday 14 May 2020 15:00

Carlos Sainz wrote a heartfelt letter to the 'McLaren family' after announcing his move to Ferrari for the 2021 Formula 1 season.

Given the emotion portrayed by Sainz in his message, it seems unthinkable that the Spaniard has so far only raced with McLaren for one season.

Thanking the entire 'McLaren family', Sainz also pays a special tribute to his 'muppet friend' Lando Norris.

Sainz will be replaced by Daniel Ricciardo for the 2021 season.

The message in full

Dear McLaren family,

I rarely express myself on a blank piece of paper, but here it goes.

Everybody knows the great history of this team, that's nothing new. However, it wasn't until I saw the cars of my idols lined up along the boulevard of the MTC that I truly understood the meaning of becoming a McLaren driver.

The responsibility and pride immediately sunk in. We had a great challenge ahead of us, and no time to lose.

Since the very first day I moved back to the UK, every single member of this enormous family made me feel at home. Some of you even helped me to find my flat and fill it in with stuff, showing already great signs of team spirit.

I could immediately tell that fans, sponsors, shareholders, management, racing team, hospitality crew and everyone at the factory were all on the same boat, rowing in the same direction, fearlessly forward.

Of course, Tomasso [Sainz's race engineer Tom Stallard] was particularly good at the rowing part!

Despite a frustrating stat to the 2019 season, I always felt the support and confidence of everyone around me, and I knew it was only a matter of time before I started scoring some good points.

Last season ended up being my strongest year in Formula 1 and a great step forward for the team. Finishing fourth in the constructors championship and sixth in the drivers championsihp was a great achievement, and the podium in Brazil, with everyone on top, that was the perfect icing on the cake.

I've always felt the passion and support from you guys, the McLaren fans, who cheer relentlessly, in every single country we visit. You are simply amazing.

Since the very first day, you gave me the warmest of welcomes, and I am sure we are going to enjoy together the rest of this 'smooth operation'!

I cannot be more grateful to every single member of the McLaren family, and I really look forward to battling you guys on track next year.

It's an honour to be part of your history, and all I can say is thank you.

Oh! And Lando, it's also been a pleasure to work with you, my muppet friend. Let's finish it off on a high.

Even though this terrible pandemic has put on hold our positive momentum, 2020 is not over yet and we will be back very soon to give our best.

There will be time for goodbyes at the end of the year.

Until then, heads down and let's keep pushing.

Un abrazo

Carlos

Before you leave...

Flashback: When Ricciardo and Norris caused press conference chaos

Norris demands send off with McLaren "amigo" Sainz