Carlos Sainz Jr. began a new chapter of his Formula 1 career on Wednesday as he linked up with McLaren for the first time.
Long-term Red Bull junior made his Formula 1 debut with Toro Rosso in 2015 and late last year joined Renault on loan, remaining with the French manufacturer through 2018.
Sainz Jr.’s impending Renault exit was confirmed in the summer, when the team recruited Daniel Ricciardo as Nico Hulkenberg’s team-mate, and the Spaniard quickly signed for McLaren.
Sainz Jr. was given permission to test early for McLaren and stepped into the MCL33 during Wednesday’s post-season running, where he completed 150 laps of the Yas Marina Circuit.
“Going out of the garage on my first day as a McLaren driver was pretty much a dream come true,” said Sainz Jr.
“When I finally completed my first run I felt extremely good, and I must say it’s been a very straightforward day.
“The team has made me feel at home from lap one and from day one when I started working with them.
“I did a lot of laps and I’m grateful to the team for giving me such a reliable car to be able to initiate me in this new chapter and new style of car.
“From the first lap to the 150th lap, I enjoyed them all; the feeling was good and we’ve been able to end the season in the best way possible.
“As soon as I got out of the box I felt comfortable in the car.
“Of course, there are always going to be details to improve and new things to adapt to, like the seat and the driving style, but from the first lap I could spend time adapting and getting to know all the new controls and procedures. It’s been great.”
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