Alonso backs Sainz's switch to McLaren

Fernando Alonso has backed Carlos Sainz's move to McLaren, claiming that his compatriot has "everything he needs to lead" the team. Sainz will move to the Woking based squad in 2019, replacing Alonso who is stepping away from the sport.

McLaren will be Sainz's third team in Formula 1, after spending time at Toro Rosso and Renault. His move to McLaren frees him from the Red Bull junior programme, which he has been a part of since 2010. 

And Alonso is confident that Sainz will succeed at the British outfit: "Carlos has everything he needs to lead a project like McLaren that we hope will continue to improve by the end of the year," he said. "The problems with the car have been identified for some months now even though many of the solutions cannot be applied now because the 2018 design is done.

"But I think in 2019 it could look completely different," he added. "I think it could be a better year and Carlos has the experience and ability to lead such a project. He is still young and has not been in F1 for many years, but he still has enough experience from Toro Rosso and Renault. That mix could work very well for McLaren."

Former McLaren driver Jenson Button also gave the deal his sign of approval: "Carlos was performing well at Renault but it's impossible to know if McLaren is a good move for him," he said.

"With Ricciardo coming to Renault he didn't have the option to stay so I think it's the right decision. We'll have to see if McLaren improves next year. It will be difficult for them but it's a great team with many world championships. It could take a while but they can find a way to be great again," he said.

Fergal Walsh