Carlos Sainz is to succeed Fernando Alonso at the
McLaren Formula One team from next season, the team confirmed on
Thursday.
Sainz, 23, will move from Renault to join McLaren on a "multi-year"
contract, a statement said.
Spanish two-time world champion Alonso, 37, had announced Tuesday he
would not be racing in Formula One following the current season.
McLaren chief executive Zak Brown said Spaniard Sainz "brings with
him the perfect blend of youth and experience" as he enters his fifth
season in Formula One.
"We're incredibly excited to have Carlos join us as a McLaren
driver," he said.
"We've been assessing him for some time now and rate him very highly
among the next generation of young talent emerging through the ranks
in Formula 1.
Australian Daniel Ricciardo joins Renault from Red Bull next season
to partner the German Nico Huelkenberg.