When Fernando Alonso announced that he will not be in F1 in 2019, the very first question asked was: who will replace him. And now we have an answer. McLaren F1 announced via its website today that Carlos Sainz will race for the team from the 2019 FIA Formula One World Championship. McLaren has yet to decide on the future of Stoffel Vandoorne.

Almost an old hand

Carlos Sainz, Jr, from Madrid, has signed a multi-year deal with the team, replacing Fernando Alonso. The 23-year-old Spaniard will enter his fifth season of Formula 1 when he joins the team as a McLaren driver in 2019. Sainz’s future was uncertain as his current team, Renault, announced that it will be employing Daniel Ricciardo alongside current driver Nico Hulkenberg.

Sainz, Jr, is the son of rally and Dakar champion, has been successful in single-seater racing to date. Carlos won the Formula Renault 2,0-litre championship and came runner-up in Eurocup Formula Renault 2,0, both in 2011. He made his debut in Formula 1 at the start of the 2015 season as reigning Formula Renault 3,5 series champion, with seven poles and seven wins.

Carlos Sainz commented:

“I’m delighted to finally be able to confirm that I’ll be a McLaren driver from the 2019 season. It’s something I’ve been looking at for a while and I’m very excited about this next chapter in my career. I’ve been a McLaren fan for as long as I can remember. It’s a great name in the sport with an incredible heritage, and the list of drivers who have raced for McLaren over the years are among the heroes of Formula 1.

“Fernando is, of course, one of them, so it’s particularly special that I’ll be taking his seat as part of the next generation of Spanish racing drivers behind the wheel of a McLaren. Finally, I’d like to thank everyone at McLaren for giving me this opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream. The team has a long-term plan for the future and I’m very much looking forward to playing a key role in its journey back to success.”

Zak Brown, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Racing, commented:

“We’re incredibly excited to have Carlos join us as a McLaren driver. We’ve been assessing him for some time now and rate him very highly among the next generation of young talent emerging through the ranks in Formula 1.

“Carlos brings with him the perfect blend of youth and experience. Although he’s just 23, he’ll be starting his fifth season in the sport with us and will bring with him a huge amount of racing experience, both in Formula 1 and with our partner Renault.

“It’s no secret that Carlos is a huge admirer of Fernando’s, and it’s fitting that he will be stepping into his seat as a Spaniard with a legendary name in motorsport. We think he’ll be a great fit for McLaren and we’re really excited to have him join us from next season and beyond.”