Sainz Hints At F1 Exit

Carlos Sainz has suggested he could leave Formula 1 if current employers McLaren fail to make improvements. Spanish driver Sainz joined McLaren for the 2019 season after a short spell with Renault but has struggled to keep up with the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull during the current campaign.

The 24-year-old sits seventh in the Drivers’ Championship, having recorded three top-10 finishes from seven races, and there appears to be little chance he will be challenging for a podium spot anytime soon. McLaren’s development over recent years has been slow and Sainz says he is not willing to fight for minor points, hinting he may look at other avenues away from F1 in the future.

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“You see fellow drivers like Marcus [Ericsson] going to different series and immediately being on the pace and potentially winning races or being on the podium,” he told MotorsportWeek. “Then you see yourself in Formula 1 and you’re stuck in P7. “It’s something I haven’t got bored of as it’s only my fifth season but you think about Perez, [Nico] Hulkenberg, they’ve been here for many races and it’s something I struggle to feel is sustainable.

“It needs immediate change and it needs immediate refining in Formula 1 to change that trend. It’s not something that as racing drivers in the midfield we are going to be waiting here forever just finishing P7 in every race. “I think it’s definitely something that needs to be addressed and hopefully 2021 they will make it happen.”