Sainz pays heartfelt tribute to McLaren and 'muppet friend' Norris

Carlos Sainz offered a warm and hearty tribute to the McLaren family following the news of his move to Ferrari in 2021, and the Spaniard also had a special mention to his sidekick Lando Norris.

The announcement on Thursday of Sainz's transfer to the Scuderia was preceded by the news that Daniel Ricciardo will be heading to McLaren next year, so two significant pieces of the drivers' market have thus been fixed.

While there's still a season to be started and completed, Covid-19 crisis permitting, Sainz put pen to paper in a short video posted on his YouTube channel to thank his current team.

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"Dear McLaren family," he wrote. "I rarely express myself on a blank piece of paper, but here goes…

"Everybody knows the great history of this team. That’s nothing new. However, it wasn’t until I saw the cars of all my idols lined up along the boulevard of the MTC that I truly understood the meaning of becoming a McLaren driver.

"The responsibility and pride immediately sunk in," he continued as F1's 'Smooth Operator' remembered his past year spent with the papaya squad.

But Sainz didn't forget his buddy, accomplice, sidekick and partner in comical crimes Lando Norris.

"Oh, and Lando…," he concluded. "It’s also been a pleasure to work with you, my muppet friend! Let’s finish it off on a high!"

On Twitter, upon the official news of Sainz's move to Ferrari, Norris spurred on the Spaniard for the remaining months the dynamic duo will be racing together at McLaren.

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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.