New McLaren recruit Carlos Sainz Jr. says the team is going to “take it easy” with 2019 Formula 1 predictions, but is confident its rebuilding is already “taking shape”.
Sainz Jr. has joined McLaren on a two-year deal, having spent four seasons with Toro Rosso and Renault, with the team having endured one of its lowest ebbs in 2018.
McLaren’s difficult form in 2018, having previously pinpointed shortcomings on ex-engine partner Honda, prompted the team to restructure its organisation and shake up key roles in senior management.
Sainz Jr. says the revised look through the winter period acts as a confidence booster heading into the new season.
“I think the team's philosophy this year is going to be to take it easy with predictions, with where we want to be,” he said.
“I think until we see what the others are going to be doing, it's impossible to know where we are.
“We are optimistic about the directions that we have taken with the concept of the car, the directions that we’ve taken in restructuring the whole team, not only getting new people but the good people that we have already in McLaren, to get them into areas where we can exploit their talent better.
“I think we have a great talent in McLaren, there’s always new ideas, there’s always new people with great ideas.
“It’s going to be a matter of when, I think. I think the place, it’s taking shape, it’s now going to be a bit of a mid-term project. I have a 2-year deal to work on that and I’m confident.”
Sainz Jr. added: “I think the team has done their homework nicely. You’ve seen the car already here [at the launch] before testing.
“That’s a good sign, because it means the car has come together earlier and nicer than last year. This is already a very good step.
“We could switch the car on now and go racing. My seat is already in the car, so that’s a good sign. To see the fire up a week ago, to see everything come together, it's already a good step.”
