Sainz adapting more quickly to McLaren than to Renault

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Carlos Sainz says his break-in period with McLaren has been an easier experience than the adjustment he underwent when he arrived at Renault.

Sainz, who moved to the French outfit before the end of the 2017 season, spent a little over a year with the Enstone squad before he head to Woking, where he admits he blended in with ease.

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"Pretty much since testing, I feel comfortable in the car and with the team," Sainz said.

"It hasn't been a long period, with Renault it took me more time to get up to speed with the car and get to grips with everything."

After a dismal and lengthy period of underperformance, McLaren is slowly but surely improving its fortunes. F1's second most successful team is even leading the sport's fierce mid-field battle.

©McLaren

Thanks to his experience and credentials, Sainz is relied upon by the team to move forward, which is exactly what the Spaniard wants.

"I think they are listening to my feedback, if I have a comment on car development or the direction I would like to go, immediately I have people calling me saying what would I prefer with the car," he said.

"So I feel I am being listened to a lot and the car is following the direction that I need it to go. So I thank the team on that side, for giving me a lot of opportunity to develop."

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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.