"Outstanding" Sainz 'exceeded expectations' at McLaren - Brown

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has claimed that Carlos Sainz "exceeded our expectations" following the recent completion of his two-year stint with the team.

After signing Sainz from Renault at the end of 2018, the Spaniard formed a superb partnership with Lando Norris that culminated in McLaren finishing fourth in the 2019 constructors' standings, and then third the past season for the first time since 2012.

Sainz, who scored two third-place finishes across his 38 races, has already left the team to start work with Ferrari, and with a ringing endorsement from Brown.

"Carlos did an outstanding job," said Brown. "We would never have signed him if we didn’t think he was an excellent grand prix driver.

"I think it’s fair to say he exceeded our expectations. I think he really came into his own in our environment, and he and Lando helped lead the way these last couple of years."

Such was the strength of the relationship between McLaren and Sainz that the team recorded a touching video message to his new Ferrari colleagues, asking the Scuderia to "take care of him".

Reflecting on the facets that aided Sainz to make a success of his time with McLaren, Brown explained: "As you know, in a racing team, your drivers are the superstars.

"They’ve been big contributors, so has everyone at McLaren, to give them a good, reliable race car.

"Renault’s been a good partner, so it all really came together, and Carlos and Lando made the most of the opportunity."

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