Sainz open to Alonso possibility

New McLaren driver Carlos Sainz says he would not mind if Fernando Alonso tests the 2019 McLaren car next year.

Alonso, Sainz’s mentor and countryman retired from Formula 1 in 2018 in order to pursue other racing goals but even McLaren boss Zak Brown has admitted he would be welcome back.

Speaking to Spanish publications Sainz said: "I would not mind if the driver who knows the cars best from recent years tests the car.

"It would be positive for the team, and that's why it's being considered," he said.

2018 was a tough year for McLaren who had expected a resurgence with Renault after three years with Honda and go into 2019 with a whole new line up.

"The work was then focused on analysing what was happening, not because the team didn't want to develop the car.” Revealed Sainz.

The Spaniard finally revealed he is hopeful Liberty Media’s plans will start coming through in 2019.

"The tyres are going to be similar, in fact for me very similar, but I think the new regulations will help us. We must give some confidence to Liberty, who have pushed for the change and will continue to push until 2021." said Sainz.