Carlos Sainz finished his chapter with McLaren this year and will join Charles Leclerc at Ferrari next season. During his stint with the team, Sainz claimed two podiums and even came close to winning at Monza.

During their partnership, both Sainz and McLaren exceeded expectations on the grid. The Spaniard hails their healthy team culture and claims that it played a huge role in helping him exceed expectations.

Zak Brown, McLaren’s boss, had previously shared a story to explain how the team’s culture helped Sainz at the 2019 Australian Grand Prix.

Sainz recalled, “I was really quick all weekend, I was very comfortable with the car, and then suddenly I got traffic at the end of Q1, and I was knocked out in Q1 which made me incredibly frustrated.”

“But as soon as the qualifying finished, I knew I was driving well, and I just need a couple of good comments from my bosses and from everyone just to cheer me up and feel that the next day was another day.

“That was a good example of how a good team spirit works, how to operate a team by the management,” he concluded.

Brown also remembered that Sainz had later walked up to him and appreciated that gesture. The Spaniard was under pressure because of single-year contracts with Toro Rosso and Renault, and therefore, for a team to show trust in him must have been highly reassuring.

Brown lauds Carlos Sainz for his time at McLaren

Carlos Sainz helped the British racing team deliver their best performance since 2012; the team finished the season at P3 on the standing. Thus, brown hailed Sainz for his performance over his two seasons with McLaren.

He said, “It goes to show when you give a driver a really good environment, not just in a race car, but a good environment, you get the most out of them. He’s done a great job the last two years. I would say he has exceeded our expectations.”

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As a testament to their team culture, McLaren also bid an emotional farewell to Sainz. the team is now looking forward to the battle with Ferrari, as their former racer will drive for the Maranello team next season.

WATCH – McLaren Send an Important Message to Ferrari Ahead of the 2021 F1 Season