Carlos Sainz entered the 2020 season, his second with McLaren, following a strong 2019 campaign where he secured P6 in the Drivers' Championship. The team, under Andreas Seidl, was on an upward trajectory, aiming to consolidate its position as 'best of the rest' behind the dominant Mercedes and Red Bull outfits in the turbo-hybrid era. Sainz's partnership with Lando Norris had proven effective, fostering a competitive yet collaborative environment. A significant development before the season even began was the announcement of Sainz's move to Ferrari for 2021, replacing Sebastian Vettel. This placed an unusual dynamic on his final year with McLaren, balancing loyalty with demonstrating his capabilities for his future employer.
How it played out
The truncated 2020 season, impacted by the global pandemic, saw Sainz deliver a series of consistent performances. Despite early technical issues, including a power unit failure at the Austrian Grand Prix and a loose wheel nut in Russia, Sainz generally extracted the maximum from the MCL35. He frequently demonstrated strong race pace and strategic acumen, often converting mid-grid qualifying positions into valuable points finishes. The intra-team battle with Lando Norris was closely contested, with both drivers pushing each other. Sainz's ability to maintain focus and motivation, despite his impending departure, was a testament to his professionalism. McLaren's consistent points scoring, significantly aided by Sainz's contributions, allowed them to engage in a tight battle for third place in the Constructors' Championship against Racing Point and Renault. This era, characterized by Mercedes' dominance, meant that opportunities for podiums were rare for midfield teams, making any such achievement highly significant.
Defining moments
The standout moment of Sainz's 2020 season was undoubtedly the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Starting third, he capitalized on a Safety Car period and a red flag, executing a strong race strategy to finish a close second behind Pierre Gasly. This marked his second career podium and McLaren's best result in years, underscoring his capability to seize opportunities under pressure. Another notable performance came at the Portuguese Grand Prix, where he briefly led the race from seventh on the grid, showcasing the MCL35's potential in specific conditions and Sainz's assertive driving. His qualifying performance at the Styrian Grand Prix, placing third, also highlighted his raw speed, though a grid penalty pushed him back. These moments exemplified his blend of speed, racecraft, and strategic awareness.
What it meant
Carlos Sainz's 2020 season was a pivotal year that cemented his reputation as a top-tier midfield driver capable of delivering under pressure. His consistent points finishes and the crucial podium at Monza were instrumental in McLaren securing third in the Constructors' Championship, their highest finish since 2012. This achievement was a significant marker for the Woking-based team's recovery. For Sainz personally, the season served as a robust audition for his move to Ferrari. He demonstrated that he could perform at a high level even with the knowledge of a future team change, a quality that would be valuable as he transitioned to one of F1's most storied outfits. His performance underlined his progression from his debut in 2015, showcasing a maturity and consistency that promised a strong future, much like how experienced drivers such as Fernando Alonso continue to adapt and perform at different stages of their careers.
