Sainz will ask Alonso for McLaren advice ahead of F1 2019 switch

Renault driver Sainz was announced as Alonso's replacement at McLaren for 2019 last week, two days after Alonso revealed he would not race in Formula 1 next year.

In an exclusive interview with Autosport, Sainz said he hoped to be able to lean on Alonso for tips about life at McLaren when they meet again at Spa-Francorchamps after F1's summer break.

"We've both been on holidays so because of that there hasn't been much contact," said Sainz, speaking at the Gamma Racing Day at Assen.

"But apart from that of course when it comes to Spa I will talk with him and will start having conversations with him about next year and how to approach the year.

"And for sure he will let me know the people there and all that, he will give me good contacts."

Sainz added he was excited about the challenge of trying to help McLaren move up the grid, but stressed it was too early to predict what would be possible in 2019 as McLaren works on a restructuring to try to improve its fortunes.