Carlos Sainz after qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix

Sainz admits tough McLaren truth: 'I'd be fighting for championships'

14:42, 15 Sep

Updated: 15:56, 15 Sep

byNorberto Mujica

Carlos Sainz claims he does not regret leaving McLaren for Ferrari, but does acknowledge he'd be 'fighting for a World Championship" had he remained.

Carlos Sainz gearing up for Italian Grand Prix

“If I had stayed, we would now be fighting for a World Championship."

- Carlos Sainz

“Those two strong years at McLaren were perhaps the best of my career, where I got the most out of the car I had,” he said to DAZN. “If I had stayed, we would now be fighting for a World Championship.

“It was the first place in Formula 1 where I really felt loved, supported and embraced by everyone. It boosted my confidence and allowed me to grow as a driver.”

However, after 2020, Sainz chose to make the switch to Ferrari, a matter of obligation almost, given the Scuderia's pedigree and legacy appeal, and the fact McLaren were not dominating F1 as they are today.

“I think any driver in my position would get a call from Ferrari during the McLaren era, which isn’t the current era, and you have to go to Ferrari. You can’t say no,” he added.

“I wanted to prove to myself and to everyone that I am worth being there, to fight for podiums and victories.”

Before the 1014 season even began though, Ferrari announced Sainz would be replaced in 2025 by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, which saw the Spaniard take his place at Williams this season. A decision, he does not regret.

“I’m doing very well at Williams and I think it’s a very good place for my future.” he said.

“If we manage to take Williams back up and achieve a podium or a victory one day, it would be the thing I could be most excited about, it’s my life project.”

Carlos Sainz after colliding with Oliver Bearman at Monza. Photo: RacePictures.

Williams adventure not the luckiest F1 project for Sainz

Having managed to compete toe-to-toe with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, it was widely expected for Sainz to beat - if not dominate- Williams teammate Alexander Albon.

Nevertheless, since the Spaniard joined the Grove-based team he's only been able to add 16 points in 16 races to his name, ranking P18 in the Drivers' Standings, whereas Albon has managed to accrue 70 points, which sees him more than triple Sainz's efforts.

Nevertheless, this is not the result of a lack of pace in Sainz's form, but rather the terrible luck he's often been on the receiving end of throughout the current campaign. 2026, as it stands, though, remains the target for the legendary British team as well as for the Spanish driver.