Sainz guarded over 2019 prospects with McLaren

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Carlos Sainz is wisely keeping his expectations for next season in check, insisting his move from Renault to McLaren likely won't result in a move up the grid.

The Spanish driver who transferred to the French outfit last year before the end of the season will join McLaren for 2019.

The Woking-based squad has endured a dismal period, the worst in its history, and showed no signs of improvement after switching from Honda to Renault power at the beginning of the year.

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However, Sainz believes he has made the right decision as he takes a longer term view of his career in F1.

"All the companies, all the teams, all the drivers go through highs and lows and McLaren is in one of its lows," he told news agency EFE.

"But I also believe that, being one of the best teams in the history of F1, they will know how to recover."

Despite his belief that progress is on the horizon, the 24-year-old isn't getting carried away, insisting his position in the 2019 pecking order is likely to remain unchanged from where it is today with Renault.

"If you're not in a Ferrari or a Mercedes, winning the world championship is a bit difficult," he said.

"They [McLaren] realised they were maybe not going in the right direction. But I think that has helped them to learn, reset a bit and start from zero.

"That means we must be realistic and know that we will probably be fighting for positions similar to the ones I am fighting for right now with Renault."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.