Sainz predicts McLaren comeback in 2019

Future McLaren driver Carlos Sainz Junior has expressed his confidence in the Woking-based team to turn things around next season, as he things the new regulations, as well as the team's hard work, will see them rise up the table again.

McLaren have had yet another rough year, despite finally getting rid of Honda as an engine partner, something which they always pinned all of their problems on. Now that they have Renault, things haven't really improved, thus exposing the team's weakness. Sure, they'll end up in P7 in the constructors' championship rather than P9 last season, but they claimed they would be best of the rest before the season started with their new power unit. Ouch.

Sainz looks at the whole situation with a glass half full, as he thinks that things can only improve from here.

"I think they are working hard now, they have bottomed out this year so they can only improve," he told F1only.

"They start from scratch and that gives me confidence.

"It's a strange thing to see Alonso almost last, but this half of the grid is so tight, that three or four-tenths are a lot.

"I think the McLaren team is no longer fighting for the championship this year, I hope they bet on next year and this year was a learning season.

"Next season, there will be a new regulation and an opportunity to start from scratch to reach the required level."

Let's hope that Sainz and Lando Norris can at least have a competitive package in 2019 - two drivers that talented need to be able to showcase what they've got!