Sainz "lost contact" with Red Bull at Renault

Carlos Sainz Jr. admits that he "lost contact" with Red Bull when he signed for Renault on a temporary deal and this had an impact on his decision to leave the Red Bull family and join McLaren for next season.

Sainz has signed a pre-contract ready for next season with McLaren, as he replaces Fernando Alonso, with the veteran retiring at the end of the season.

The Spaniard will have the chance of a fresh start in Woking following a positive season with Renault.

Sainz revealed that one of the reasons his choice was made easier was because he "wasn't involved" anymore at Red Bull since he signed for Renault.

"I am convinced that if there was a chance to go to Red Bull Racing in 2016 or 2017, I would have been given that chance, but Ricciardo and Verstappen were stuck," Sainz explained.

"Then I left for Renault, and I had a good year, but it was inevitable that I lost contact with Red Bull because of this, I got no information at all, was not involved at all, so they chose Pierre Gasly.

"I am behind because he is a very good driver and deserves a chance at Red Bull."

Sainz's dream of driving for Red Bull may never have come true but the Spanish driver expresses his gratitude for getting the chance to drive at Toro Rosso.

"My first year at Toro Rosso in 2015 was a good year, and in 2016 I scored three times as many points in a car which was worse than that of 2015," Sainz added. 

"In 2017, I performed even better so I gave my business card to Renault. The advantage of a second year with the same team also made it possible for me to add the last two tenths per round able to drive."