Twenty-three year-old Carlos Sainz of Spain has raced in 53 Formula 1 Grands Prix since making his debut at the start of the 2015 season in Australia. To date, he has scored 100 points, with a best finishing position of sixth achieved four times. Prior to Formula 1, Sainz won the Formula Renault 3.5 Series in 2014 as well as the Formula Renault 2.0 NEC championship in 2011.
Cyril Abiteboul, Managing Director, Renault Sport Racing:
“Carlos Sainz is a very promising driver who has been on our radar for some time, especially after his successes in Renault junior formulae. It is positive news for us to be able to confirm Carlos for 2018. This choice is well aligned with our mid-term strategic plans. We feel that Nico [Hülkenberg] and Carlos will complement each other on and off track and the combination should help us push forward on the grid. I would like to thank Helmut Marko for loaning Carlos to us for this period. We must thank Jolyon [Palmer] for his ongoing hard work with the team and his efforts over the past two seasons. He is a dedicated driver and we wish him the best in the next steps of his career.”
Carlos Sainz:
“I’m very happy to be joining Renault Sport Formula One Team. To be a Formula 1 driver for a manufacturer team is an honor and I hope to reward Renault’s faith in me with my very best performances on track. The trajectory of Renault Sport Formula One Team is exciting and I’m proud to join at such an important time in their history. I am looking forward to working with everyone at Enstone and Viry, and driving alongside Nico Hülkenberg.
“I have worked closely with Renault in Formula 1 and previously in motorsport, so I know their motivation and capabilities. This is the start of a very exciting new chapter in my career. I would like to say thank you to Red Bull for all their confidence and support and for allowing me to take this opportunity. Last but not least, I specially want to thank all the people that work in Toro Rosso. They are a fantastic team of professionals and I wish them the best for the future.”
Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull Motorsport Consultant:
“We are happy to have reached an agreement for Carlos to drive for Renault Sport Formula One Team in 2018. He is a tremendous talent and he will benefit from working with a manufacturer team alongside a highly experienced driver. This will give Carlos a different challenge and we will be keenly watching his progress there as he remains part of the Red Bull family. This is very good development for both Carlos and Renault Sport Formula One Team, and will also allow us to bring a new talent into Formula One."
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Who would have told this little guy that 11 years later he would drive for that team. What a great honour. Thanks @RenaultSportF1 pic.twitter.com/nJbMYd8MnK
— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) September 15, 2017
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