Source: McLaren Media Centre

F1 News

Button says Sainz must be patient

Button says Sainz must be "patient"

21-08-2018 17:00
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Bobby Vincent

Former McLaren driver Jenson Button has warned soon-to-be McLaren driver Carlos Sainz that he must be patient.

Sainz last week was announced as McLaren's new driver for the 2019 season, replacing retiring F1 legend, Fernando Alonso.

The soon-to-be McLaren man has spent this season driving for Renault and has impressed in some parts.

Button, who spent seven years at the Woking-based side (2010-17) has said that Sainz must be "patient" at McLaren and success will not be achieved straight away when he gets there.

"Okay, but the challenge increases. I was on the official Renault team, which performs very well this year. Come over to McLaren, and I don't know if it's the right move. I think obviously he did not have the option to continue at Renault due to Daniel's (Ricciardo's) signing, so I guess it's the right decision," Button explained to Autosport.

"I do not think the pace of the car will change in 2019. It's going to be difficult, because they've gone back a lot, it's a great team, it's a team that has won a lot of world championships, so they'll find their way back, but it will take time, Sainz has to understand.

"I suppose, that it will take a few years of hard work and you have to make yourself felt and make your opinion count, and hopefully take the car forward."