Formula One: The Sainz/McLaren/Toro Rosso/Renault deal – Who could this benefit in 2018?
By Mark Gero
The bait
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Cue in bait: Toro Rosso. McLaren is a popular team, and to keep Alonso, Renault was the only possible replacement in the engine department since they are the only group that are free for supplying if they find themselves with an opening. If the deal can be done with McLaren, then where does the Honda engine go? Can they find a team to supply, or are the days of F1 over for them?
This brings back Toro Rosso. With Honda power in their hands, this could be great if the engine works well since Red Bull is set to get it in 2019 to replace Renault. So in a nutshell, this is how this deal goes: Sainz, to cover for Renault, goes to the French team to free up a spot for Honda, who probably will hire a Japanese driver for Toro Rosso. McLaren takes Renault engines to replace their Honda power, which might be purchased in 2019 by Red Bull if it works for Toro Rosso. Ironically, Palmer got his first points in Singapore, finishing 6th and Alonso still has to officially sign for McLaren for another season.
Are we all confused? Many people still might be.
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