No 'behind the back' situations when Sainz talked to Ferrari

Shortly after Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari announced their separation after 2020, it was announced that Carlos Sainz would change from McLaren to Ferrari. Lando Norris was surprised by the move of his 'buddy', but there has been no talk of backroom conversations. The top of McLaren was constantly informed, something that Sainz and his current team really appreciate.

Openness

It happens more often that drivers and teams talk to each other, make a deal and then make an announcement that surprises everyone. Deals that are made behind closed doors and of which the current team is not aware. The result can be an uncomfortable rest of the season, because the relations are a bit disturbed after all.

This is not the case with McLaren and Sainz. "There were a few Zoom meetings, like everyone else does, but for me the key to the process was the clarity and openness of all parties involved to make it happen", says Sainz at Motorsport.com about the talks about his move from McLaren to Ferrari.

"There were no uncomfortable 'behind the back' situations. That makes me very proud and the way in which all this has been managed makes me happy and very grateful to Zak and his team." Because of this openness Sainz will be able to join Ferrari next season without any hassle and leave his current team afterwards as good friends.

"They [Brown and Seidl] were happy for me. They congratulated me and said: 'Look Carlos, you've earned it and I'm sure you'll do well there', and that confidence boost is always nice to hear from your bosses."