0
Carlos Sainz says he is placing thoughts of competing for Ferrari on the sideline until he sees out his contract with McLaren.
Last week, the Spaniard was confirmed as a 2021 driver for the Maranello squad as a replacement for Sebastian Vettel, who will leave the team after six seasons.
Sainz joined McLaren in 2019 and enjoyed his strongest season in F1 to date, picking up his first podium finish on his way to sixth place in the drivers' standings.
MORE: Button: Sainz 'the wrong person' if Ferrari wants number two driver
MORE: The challenge that faces Carlos Sainz at Ferrari
Sainz thanked McLaren for all it has done for him in the last 18 months, and affirms that his main focus at the moment is continuing the growth of the team, as it targets a return to success.
“If Ferrari's offer has arrived I have to thank McLaren and the whole team for what they have done for me. Now I look forward to seeing them in person to thank them,” the 25-year-old told Sky Italia.
"I want to go back to Woking and start working again. I thought that after my announcement someone could get sick and instead I received many messages of affection and esteem.
“I want to repay everything and I know that here in Spain they are already thinking about 2021 to see me behind the wheel of Ferrari fighting for podiums and victories.
“But now what I want to do is put Ferrari in the drawer for a moment and think only of McLaren.”
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, negotiates between Sainz and Ferrari took place virtually, which Sainz admits felt “strange”.
"It has been a very special week, negotiating without ever seeing each other is a strange thing,” he said. I was at home with my father and in constant contact with my agent and in the end we did quite well.”
Sainz will partner Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, who joined the team in 2019 and signed a multi-year extension following a successful maiden campaign.
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
40,164 comments on Ferrari
4 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Carlos Sainz jr
489,227 comments on Ferrari 279 members have this team as their favourite Tweets about Ferrari
Replies (0)
Login to reply