Sainz hits back at claims McLaren copying Red Bull chassis

McLaren started off 2018 with a strong fifth placed finish in the Australian Grand Prix by Fernando Alonso. But struggled throughout the rest of the year for performances of the same level.

This was their first year with Renault as engine suppliers after parting ways with Honda at the end of 2017 because of a frustrating few years with them. Red Bull are making the opposite switch for next season after using Renault engines for a very long time, opting for Honda after testing out the engine in their junior team, Toro Rosso, this year.

There had been suggestions that McLaren may copy parts of the Red Bull chassis to help improve their own chassis for the next season. But Sainz has said there are no truths in these claims.

Sainz raced for Renault last season, being replaced by Daniel Ricciardo, and denied that the factory team would be holding back the best engine’s for themselves.