Sainz: Renault finally has F1 engine it needs

Carlos Sainz Jr. believes Renault’s 2019 Formula 1 engine is a “step in the right direction” and has given McLaren “something to fight with”. 

The former Renault driver, who moved to McLaren over the winter to replace fellow countryman Fernando Alonso, has been left encouraged by the progress made by the French manufacturer after being powered by Renault for the majority of his F1 career.

Renault is convinced it has made significant gains with its latest power unit, and following a promising display from McLaren during qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix, Sainz confirmed he had noticed a “step forward”. 

“I feel a step forward, a step in the right direction,” Sainz said.

“I still think we are a step behind Mercedes and Ferrari’s engines, but it definitely feels like we have something to fight with now, finally. 

“I’ve done four years in F1 and all those years I’ve been 10km/h down in all the straights. So finally, to be turning up to Melbourne and just 2/3km/h down is a really encouraging scenario. 

“They seem to have clear developments for the engine so that gives some positive vibes also. I would praise Renault because it finally seems they have done the step we were needing two years ago.”

McLaren is Renault’s only customer on the F1 grid in 2019 after Red Bull switched to Honda, having grown increasingly frustrated by its engine deficit to rivals Mercedes and Ferrari throughout the V6 hybrid era. 

Following an underwhelming result in Melbourne, Renault said it is determined to “underline” the progress it has made with its engine at this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix.