Photo: Carlos Sainz Jr. on Facebook
Just think about it. For starters, a man called Luis Garcia Abad is the manager of both Carlos Sainz Jr. and Fernando Alonso. Then there’s the matter of nationality, with both drivers being Spanish. Last, but certainly not least, Sainz is on loan from Red Bull to Renault, meaning that a switch to McLaren is the most natural thing he can do.
“Isn’t he the guy supposed to replace Daniel Ricciardo in 2019?” Knowing how feisty Sainz can get out there on the track, his personality would clash with that of Max Verstappen. To this effect, Christian Horner would like a number two driver that doesn’t mind helping Verstappen every single time team orders come into play.
ESPN understands – without citing any sources whatsoever – that the announcement will be made later in the week. What remains of Red Bull, then? ESPN says that Pierre Gasly will take the second seat at Red Bull, and based on his performance at Toro Rosso with the Honda hybrid power unit, the Frenchman is befitting of driving for the mothership.
Both Ricciardo and Alonso blew up the driver market wide open, with more news to come by the end of the season from Force India and Williams. Esteban Ocon, Sergio Perez, and Lance Stroll could go somewhere else, more so when you bear in mind the struggles of both Force India and Williams.
After Fernando Alonso leaves Formula 1 at the end of 2018, Kimi Raikkonen will be the oldest driver on the grid. Born on October 17th, 1979, the Iceman is 38 years old. Even though Ferrari hasn’t signed an extension for 2019, the Finnish racing driver is certain to continue with Ferrari because he’s both reliable and a team player when Sebastian Vettel is faster than him.
Also in 2019, the FIA will make radical aerodynamic changes to the cars. Less turbulence out the rear, a wider and simpler front wing, and a modified front brake duct assembly are in the pipeline. Another change is the increase in the fuel limit to 110 kilograms with the aim to reduce lifting and coasting.
BREAKING: Carlos Sainz is set to be announced as Fernando Alonso's replacement at McLaren.https://t.co/o2TbQcKEzR
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) August 15, 2018
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