Carlos Sainz hopes that Renault have made the progress they claim they have

Carlos Sainz hopes that the rumours of an improved Renault engine are true and that McLaren can get an extra boost to push them forward through the season. Driving for Renault last year, Sainz would have liked the boost to have come a bit earlier but as McLaren use Renault engines Sainz will still benefit from the progress Renault have made.   

"Everyone looks to be talking very nicely about that engine," said Sainz at the launch of the 2019 McLaren at Woking on Thursday.

"I really hope it is what they are talking about, and we have a good surprise in testing and we have those horsepowers.

"Last year, as a Renault driver, we would've needed those horsepowers to beat Haas more regularly. So hopefully it comes, because it would be already a very big step for this team, for McLaren.

"It would be a step for free that would put us already in a much more comfortable place."

When speaking about the launch of the new McLaren Sainz said, "I think the team has done their homework nicely," 

"You've seen the car ready here, five days before testing, and that's a good sign because it means the car has come together earlier and nicer than last year. That is already a very good step."