McLaren didn't expect Sainz to be "thís quick, thís early"

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has admitted to being surprised at the quickness his driver Carlos Sainz has improved since making the move to the Woking-based team this year, as the Spaniard finished best of the rest in Monaco in P6.

After two and a half years at Toro Rosso and a year and a half at Renault, Sainz penned his first-ever multi-year deal at McLaren, teaming up with rookie Lando Norris as the team looked to improve on another year of disappointment in 2018.

After a very unlucky start of the season, Sainz' form has picked up massively in recent races, finishing well within the points for three straight Grands Prix now. The 24-year-old currently tops the midfield in the drivers' championship, and so do McLaren in the constructors' championship.

“To be honest, we didn’t expect Carlos to be this quick this early, from the first day he has surprised us with his speed and professionalism," Brown told El Confidencial when talking about his driver.

Sainz' race was highlighted early-on by a very brave move, overtaking two cars at turn three on the outside. His team boss shared the move on his social media.