2
Carlos Sainz insists that McLaren's first half to the 2019 season has not been straightforward, despite its lead over the rest of the midfield teams in the constructors' standings.
The Woking squad is currently fourth in the championship, 41 points ahead of fifth-place Toro Rosso.
Since the Monaco Grand Prix, the team has scored a sixth-place finish at every race bar Canada - one of only three races so far this year where it has failed to score points.
MORE: McLaren could give F1 test outings to IndyCar drivers | Norris didn't expect current high confidence levels
But despite its improved form, Sainz states that it has not been easy for the team, as it has had some reliability concerns.
"If you add that my first failure came ten laps into the first race of the season, then that's part of the unlucky situation and the penalties that I had to take in Austria," he said. "We managed to recover well with an eighth-place finish.
"It hasn't been an easy, straightforward first half to the season. There has been very little time when we have been the fourth fastest car. We've had to make our way through on race days and it has made the season interesting and particularly good on Sundays.
"But at the same time, I feel like the race team is performing at a very high level, with strategy and preparation. I'm performing well on Sundays and so in the end, we keep bringing in points, that's the main thing."
The Spanish Grand Prix looks set to stay on the F1 calendar next year, with a one-year extension rumoured to be the deal in place.
Sainz says that it is "incredibly important" on a personal level for the race to stay on the schedule, as it is his home event.
"For me, it's incredibly important if it manages to stay," Sainz said. "The rumour that I have heard is the same, that it is a one-year extension, but nothing confirmed beyond that.
"What I really expect and hope is that this one-year extension allows for a longer deal, if it happens, if the rumour is true. But at the moment it is only rumours."
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
M. Verstappen
C. Sainz jr
C. Leclerc
Bahrain
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
Australia
Albert Park
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
Monaco
Monte Carlo
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Austria
Red Bull Ring
United Kingdom
Silverstone
Hungary
Hungaroring
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
Netherlands
Circuit Zandvoort
Italy
Monza
Azerbaijan
Baku City Circuit
Singapore
Marina Bay Street Circuit
United States of America
Circuit of the Americas
Mexico
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Brazil
Interlagos
United States of America
Las Vegas Street Circuit
United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Circuit
39,871 comments on Ferrari
4 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Carlos Sainz jr
280,660 comments on McLaren 156 members have this team as their favourite Tweets about McLaren
Replies (2)
Login to replyRam Samartha
Posts: 1,172
He's one of the drivers who really deserves to keep his seat so I'd be surprised if he doesn't get the McLaren drive.
Kean
Posts: 692
he's contracted for next year. McLaren came out early and confirmed both Sainz and Norris for next year.