Sainz describes honour of replacing Alonso at McLaren

Carlos Sainz Jr says it is "particularly special" that his much-anticipated move to McLaren arrives as Fernando Alonso's replacement in the team. Sainz had been tipped to partner his childhood idol in the Woking squad, but Alonso's impending Formula 1 departure will see him take on a different role.

McLaren confirmed the signing of Sainz on a "multi-year agreement" on Thursday, just two days after it was revealed that Alonso will not race in F1 next year.

With Daniel Ricciardo making a shock move to Renault and Pierre Gasly the favourite to replace him, Sainz may have feared for his F1 future as the two seats he was contracted to in 2018 were filled, but he can now look forward to a fifth consecutive season on the grid.

"I'm delighted to finally be able to confirm that I'll be a McLaren driver from the 2019 season," Sainz said.

"It's something I've been looking at for a while and I'm very excited about this next chapter in my career.

"I've been a McLaren fan for as long as I can remember. It's a great name in the sport with an incredible heritage, and the list of drivers that have raced for McLaren over the years are among the heroes of Formula 1.

"Fernando is of course one of them, so it's particularly special that I'll be taking his seat as part of the next generation of Spanish racing drivers behind the wheel of a McLaren.

"Finally, I'd like to thank everyone at McLaren for giving me this opportunity to fulfil a childhood dream. The team has a long-term plan for the future and I'm very much looking forward to playing a key role in its journey back to success."

McLaren have not confirmed Sainz's team-mate but reports suggest that it is a choice between Alonso's current partner Stoffel Vandoorne and McLaren's prodigious junior driver Lando Norris.