Carlos Sainz: I have no authority to make this decision&;

The Red Bull program is not known for being gentle with its drivers. The episode of the seat swap between Max Verstappen and Daniil Kvyat is a reminder of this.

Nevertheless, Carlos Sainz seems to be spared by Helmut Marko’s legendary severity as he has been confirmed in his position for the next season. The young Spaniard could only be delighted: « *”Toro Rosso doesn’t usually pick up an option so early in the season. It’s usually much later in the season, in October or November. So it’s very good for my stability, the stability of the team. I am very happy and I thank Red Bull for trusting me.”* »

Nevertheless, the son of the world rally champion acknowledges that the decision was made exclusively by Red Bull and not as a result of negotiations between the two parties. When asked about a possible transfer to Renault that might have accelerated his contract extension, he admits that the ball was solely in his employer’s court: « I don’t know what happens in the discussions, nor in the rumors. Renault knows very well that if they want me, they have to go see Helmut Marko, not me. I have no power to make this decision. »

He doesn’t give up on the idea of joining the parent team in the future: « For now, it’s true that the senior team seems a bit too busy. So I will have to wait, but I know that if I keep performing well, they can give me an opportunity and offer me a seat. I just need to focus on what I’m doing, and opportunities will present themselves. »

If he doesn’t know how close the rumors are to the truth, he also knows that if another team really wants him, Red Bull can accept it but it will come at a price: « Red Bull can continue to exercise their option for two or three years. If a team wants me, they will have to pay a lot of money. But for me, the most important thing is to have the trust of someone as tough as Helmut Marko. If he has decided to trust me, it means he is happy with what I am doing. »

Carlos Sainz also hopes to create a surprise next year with the new package developed by his team. Indeed, the Faenza team will return with the Renault engine, which will facilitate cooperation between Red Bull and Toro Rosso: « We could be the Force India of next year, making it to the podiums. Let’s hope we will be the team that does things right. »

But before thinking about next year, he doesn’t forget that he still has many races left this season for which he is confident, especially since the team doesn’t intend to stop its development program as early as other teams: « July is going to be important for us. We have quite a few developments planned. You will see some, others not. But I’m confident, especially now that I know I’ll be with a team next year. »

From our special correspondent in Spielberg

With the participation of www.racingbusiness.fr