Sainz ready to step up as leader in Alonso’s shoes

LONDON: Carlos Sainz intends to be Mclaren’s leader on the track this season and said he felt no pressure to be stepping into fellow Spaniard Fernando Alonso’s shoes at the Formula One team. The 24-year-old has joined from Renault, where he was on loan from Red Bull, on a two-year deal in a new lineup with 19-year-old British rookie Lando Norris.

MCLAREN COULD TURN TO ALONSO

WOKING: Mclaren indicated on Thursday that retired double Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso could stand in as a reserve driver for the team if needed this season.

The former champions have a new driver lineup this season, with 19-year-old British rookie Lando Norris and 24-year-old Spaniard Carlos Sainz, but have yet to name an official reserve.

Brazilian Sergio Sette Camara has been appointed as test and development driver but has yet to secure sufficient points to obtain the necessary super licence.

Alonso, 37, left Formula One at the end of last season.