McLaren: Delayed contract talks with drivers ‘not a big issue’

McLaren F1 boss Andreas Seidl says that Formula 1’s forced hiatus has put contract talks with Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris on the back burner.

Both McLaren drivers will see their contract expire at the end of the year, but the disruption to the 2020 season caused by COVID-19 pandemic leaves little reason to initiate negotiations.

However, Seidl does not see the delay as a source of concern, at least for now.

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“Our position hasn’t really changed on how we want to approach that for the future within McLaren with Carlos and Lando,” said the German.

“Of course we would have liked to have some races under the belt and then sit together to make a decision on both sides but I don’t think that is a big issue at the moment.”

While Norris will likely remain with the Woking-based outfit for the foreseeable future, Sainz is the subject of speculation involving a move to Ferrari for 2021 where the Spaniard would replace Sebastian Vettel.

Whether unfounded or not, the rumor could provide Sainz with a bit of bargaining power when he sits down with his current employer to discuss the future.

In the interim, Seidl has remained in contact with both his drivers during the lockdown period, insisting both chargers are desperate to get back to racing.

“Regarding our two drivers we know from Carlos that he is doing a lot of training and communicating about that which is great to see then we are in regular contact with both of them,” said the McLaren F1 boss.

“I keep them up to date with what is going on with the regulation side and what is going on with the discussions on the race calendar.

“But at the same time, with the pay cut that both guys have taken, it is great to see they are staying connected to the guys in this difficult period, it is great to see the spirit is high between these two guys.

“We all miss the competitive environment where we want to be, fighting it out on track, so they are obviously desperate to get back to the factory and back out on track as soon as possible.”