Sainz trusts McLaren to turn things around in future

Carlos Sainz believes that his new employer McLaren will turn the ship around next season in terms of pace, even though the Woking-based outfit has struggled for relevancy in recent years.

McLaren currently sit in sixth place in the constructors' championship, but are likely to be bunny-hopped by Force India soon, as the Pink Panthers were stripped of all their points over the summer but have been excellent ever since.

His current team, Renault, have shown the Spaniard the door as he'll be replaced by Daniel Ricciardo in 2019. McLaren offered him a seat shortly after, as they had an opening with Fernando Alonso announcing his departure from Formula One after this season. With all of the drivers that will likely have no seat next season, Sainz realises that he's a lucky boy.

"I think I'm privileged, but I also believe that I earned my place and didn't win the lottery," Sainz told Marca.

"Of course, Ocon deserves a spot and so does Vandoorne.

"But in this very competitive Formula One, it's not just about yourself."

Coming to McLaren at a tough time, Sainz knows that he'll likely be making a step down from Renault in the papaya-orange cars, but he still trusts the process in Woking.

"I'm happy that McLaren have learned a lot from this year.

"By using the same power unit as Red Bull and Renault, they've improved a lot.

"They have to make big changes in a lot of places, and because they know this, they're about to turn it around.

"I hope that the changes will be noticeable in 2019."