Sainz: McLaren in the points a 'super result' in 2019

Carlos Sainz Snr says regular points finishes for his son at McLaren in 2019 would represent "a super result". The Spanish driver has moved from the Renault works team to the once-great McLaren team, which struggled throughout Fernando Alonso's final years in F1 since 2015.

McLaren have not finished higher than fifth in the constructors' championship since the dawning of the V6 Hybrid era, with just two podiums taken in that period – both in the very first race in Australia.

After a wretched reunion with Honda was ended ahead of last season, McLaren struggled for consistency with Renault as their power unit supplier, but rally legend Sainz Snr says Junior sees reason for positivity ahead of 2019.

"Carlos is very excited, very eager to start the tests here in Barcelona," he told El Mundo Deportivo.

"From there it will be known more or less if McLaren has done its homework well, whether Renault has done its homework well and the engine goes a little better, and if the chassis is better than it was last year with Fernando.

"I think that by the time the Barcelona tests are over, they will know fairly well where they are.

"Everything depends on the car. You cannot talk about results without knowing that.

"Maybe he'll do 11th or 13th places like Fernando did last year, or maybe it will be points and it's a super result.

"But I see a Carlos who is very motivated, very excited and eager to start."

Sainz snr was also asked if his son is ready to cope with being Spain's only F1 driver, following Alonso's retirement.

"He never felt badly treated, because when there is someone of Fernando's calibre, it's normal. It's normal to be in the shadow of an institution of motor sport.

"But now that will be different and he is eager to take that on."

MORE: Alonso planning unique moves after F1
MORE: Alonso set for pre-season McLaren test