Sainz set to stay at Renault
- Published on 06 Jul 2018 10:32
-
- By: Jeroen Jonkers
Carlos Sainz looks set to stay at Renault next year.
The Spaniard's place at the French works team was in doubt after Red Bull elected to drop customer Renault power for 2019 and switch to Honda.
Sainz is 'on loan' to Renault from Red Bull, with the energy drink company wanting him in the event Daniel Ricciardo leaves.
But Spain's Marca is now reporting that Sainz will stay.
"It is something that will be announced in a few weeks, after the other driver involved in the situation, Daniel Ricciardo, announces his renewal with Red Bull," the report claimed.
Sainz was asked about the rumours at Silverstone.
"Daniel Ricciardo's decision is obviously going to determine some things, but as long as it's not 100 per cent confirmed, it is not worth commenting on rumours," he said.
But Sainz, 23, said he would be happy to stay at Renault rather than move up to Red Bull.
"Seeing the amount of people they are hiring, the improvements they have made in the factory, the jump of the engine and the car over the past few years, I think Renault is one of the best prospects in F1.
"I am proud to be part of this project," he said.
0
Replies (7)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Its not completely unexpected, but regardless I think RB will keep their claws around him, ready to pull him away if he is needed.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
And by the way, the header is sorta misleading, since while this is likely, nothing has been confirmed yet. So nothing set yet.
Mr.Useless
Posts: 18
By your reckoning, is Sainz as good as Max or not? I believe RB will part ways with Sainz if he keeps driving with Renault, for some reason. But the problem for RB is that DR is as good as Max. And they are in a funny situation like Sauber was with three drivers and two cars. Was it Nasr, Van der Garde and Ericsson? The problem for Sainz is his choice : as long as the RB is full with DR and MV he has to choose, in long term, part from RB driving for Renault or stay with RB but drive a Toro Rosso. That is a tough one.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Its hard to say, because its a long while since we saw the two in the same car. IMO, the two are probably kinda equal, with Max being the faster and Sainz being more consistent. So a Max and Sainz lineup would be similar to what RB has now. Yeah RB has the issue of having too many drivers for their main team in F1 currently. I dont think RB want him in an STR, and Sainz wouldnt want it but would probably try to get out. This deal is a happy middleground, where RB can borrow him to Renault and get some cash for it, while Sainz get to drive in a good team and go up against an F1 veteran like Hulk.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Good for Carlos. He's doing a great job. Benchmarking himself against another solid driver and more importantly... He won't be saddled with a Honda PU in 2019
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
But is it that bad now though? The STRs were very fast on the straights last race. :P
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
A pretty good GP, I must say. Eventful for sure. I sorta think Kimi's penalty was a bit harsh, but regardless it was fair that he did get one. Hammy's talking afterwards however isnt exactly what I'd call classy. Gutted for Hartley, and it was unfortunate that Leclerc and Ericsson went off, but thats life. Did Ric and Max really collide by the way? I sorta missed that whole thing.
Race aside, the points table has pretty much stabilized into how I think the season will end up. Not sure with Merc' vs Ferrari, but I expect that the rest will remain as is.