McLaren Racing chief Zak Brown is leaving the door open for Carlos Sainz to return to the workforce, ought to a emptiness open up sooner or later.
McLaren has a long-term contract with Lando Norris till the tip of the 2027 season, whereas the workforce additionally locked down Oscar Piastri with a brand new multi-year deal final month.
The British outfit is pleased with its current line-up, with Piastri main the championship by 10 factors from Norris after the opening 5 rounds of the season.
Nevertheless, Brown mentioned present Williams driver Sainz could be a contender for a McLaren seat if the workforce finally ends up parting with Norris or Piastri for any cause.
The Spaniard beforehand raced for McLaren whereas it was a Renault engine buyer in 2019-20, scoring podiums in Brazil and Italy and growing a harmonious relationship with then-teammate Norris.
“If we had an open seat, in fact, we might take into account Carlos,” he instructed Marca.
“However, proper now, we have now Lando and Oscar underneath contract for a number of years, but when for some cause the state of affairs modifications and Carlos is on the market… I’ve his telephone quantity in my handle ebook.”
Sainz joined Ferrari in 2021 after leaving McLaren, scoring 4 grand prix victories and serving to the Prancing Horse safe second within the championship in each 2022 and 2024.
Nevertheless, Ferrari elected to usher in seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to the workforce this 12 months, with Sainz having to make method for the Briton.
The 30-year-old subsequently inked a long-term partnership with Williams, pairing up with Alex Albon.
Requested if he would have made the identical choice if a star driver like Hamilton was obtainable, Brown mentioned: “It’s not so simple as that, there are plenty of dynamics round it that play a task.
“Lewis is a seven-time champion and there aren’t many events when you possibly can have a sportsman like that in your workforce.
“However, on the identical time, Carlos was superb with us, a very good good friend, an incredible driver. Fortunately, I didn’t discover myself within the state of affairs the place I needed to make that call.”
