Renault releases Carlos Sainz Jr for early McLaren F1 test
Carlos Sainz Jr has successfully secured an early release from Renault so he can drive a McLaren for the first time in next week's Abu Dhabi Formula 1 tyre test
Only two of the 10 F1 teams are going into the 2019 season with the same line-up, so many are attempting to give their new drivers an early chance to begin working with them in the Pirelli sessions at Yas Marina.
Sainz has been released by Renault to get his first experience of the MCL33 on Wednesday, while his 2019 team-mate Lando Norris will drive on Tuesday.
Other drivers who will sample their future teams for the first time include George Russell at Williams, and Lance Stroll at Force India.
Kimi Raikkonen is expected to be allowed to drive for Sauber, although it has yet to be confirmed.
But Red Bull has made it clear that Sainz's replacement Daniel Ricciardo will not be allowed to drive for Renault.
In less contentious moves Charles Leclerc will drive for Ferrari, Robert Kubica will share the Williams with Russell, and Pierre Gasly will become an official Red Bull driver for the first time.
The test is the final opportunity for Pirelli to sign off on its 2019 spec tyres, with all teams having the chance to try them.
Teams are not allowed to try new car parts at the test.
Share Or Save This Story
Krack: Aston Martin F1 team no longer in “no-man’s land”
Gasly rues costly floor damage from Ocon contact in F1 Japanese GP
How an F1 underachiever became a Japanese political player
Sainz handed unprecedented penalty after F1 British GP
Indecent proposal? How Sainz's big idea to change F1 qualifying might work
Williams plans “almost entirely new car” by Azerbaijan GP
You Ask The Questions: Robert Kubica
Eight shock Formula 1 team principal changes
The key moments in Renault's F1 history as it bids farewell
F1 could move away from customer power units in 2031
All level in British Hillclimb title fight after contrasting Harewood fortunes
The clever electrical trick that gives Mercedes an edge in qualifying
Healey horde entertains at Donington Park Equipe event
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments