Sainz seeking early move to McLaren for Abu Dhabi test

Carlos Sainz says his management is working to secure an early release from his contract with Renault in order to join McLaren for F1's post-season test at Abu Dhabi.

Sainz will be moving from the French outfit to McLaren for 2019 where he will race alongside rookie Lando Norris, and wishes to get a head start on his relationship with his future employer.

"It's a good opportunity to try this year's car, obviously not next year's, but I'm focusing on these three races," he said.

"I think my management are looking into if it's possible or not. At the moment it's not decided, or nothing has been clarified."

• Hamilton infused Sainz with confidence over McLaren drive

As he prepares for the future, Sainz insists he remains committed to the present as well, and is determined to positively round-off his campaign with Renault.

"There has been some organisation of how to plan the winter, but nothing to do with performance or… engineering talking, let’s put it like that," he said.

"I think I’m fully committed to this project, to the Renault, until the end of the year – until, really, Sunday afternoon after Abu Dhabi – and I think my results in the second half of the season are proving it.

"We are scoring a lot of points, I think it’s 17 points since Hungary, and finally my season is starting to come together.

"I’m very pleased, very happy with how things are going here and I really want to finish my season with Renault, my time with Renault, on a high, like we are doing now."

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