McLaren CEO Zak Brown revealed that the team permitted Carlos Sainz to proceed with Ferrari talks beforehand. Brown also admitted that  Sainz and McLaren were transparent with each other over future plans. Moreover, the American expects Sainz to take the fight to Charles Leclerc.

McLaren and Carlos Sainz leaving on good terms

As far as driver transfers go, McLaren and Sainz successfully emerged unscathed and conducted negotiations in a very professional manner. Unlike some other teams, Sainz is leaving the British team on a good note. Sadly, the same cannot be said for Renault.

Renault’s official statement after Ricciardo’s announcement was disdainful, to say the least. Team principal Cyril Abiteboul couldn’t resist taking a parting shot at Daniel in his official remark on the Aussie’s exit.

In sharp contrast, McLaren is handling Sainz’s departure a lot better. It was a win-win for team and driver and they’ll eventually part ways on a high. Brown revealed that the team was constantly in the loop during Sainz’s contract talks. Interestingly, McLaren gave Sainz permission to initiate dialogue with Ferrari.

Speaking to Sky F1, Brown said:

“Carlos and I spoke about it, so it wasn’t hearing stuff through the grapevine,”

“I think how the majority of these driver movements happen is everyone is sneaking around the back of the motorhome, trying to have secret dates.

“It was a conversation that Carlos had with Andreas [Seidl] and I over the winter. We actually had to give him permission to go speak with Ferrari, and we gave him that permission, so it was very above board.

Brown backs Carlos against Leclerc

“I think you can see by the way we are eventually going to part that we are very much going to race together this year.

One can’t help but admire McLaren for its ways in ensuring a smooth transition for its drivers and the team.

Brown thinks Sainz could be a race winner at his new team with the right equipment. While some believe the Spaniard may be forced to don a supporting role, he could spring a surprise in his first year with Ferrari.

While Carlos is heading into Charles’ house, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to carve his own identity.

“I think he’s going to go really well at Ferrari, I think he’s going to give Leclerc a run for his money, I think he’ll be really good for the Ferrari mold.

“If they have a race-winning car I think Carlos is going to win races.”