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Carlos Sainz admits that another year at Toro Rosso is unlikely for him as he targets bigger and better things for 2018. Sainz joined the Red Bull junior team in 2015 alongside Max Verstappen but missed out on the call-up in 2016 when the senior team opted for his Dutch teammate to replace Daniil Kvyat.
Sainz is hoping for a call-up to come from Red Bull for next season, but it seems unlikely as Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo reportedly have unbreakable contracts. Both men have ben linked to Ferrari, which would open up a door for the Spaniard.
"It's still a long season ahead and these rumours will always come," Sainz said in Austria. "My target number one is to be with Red Bull next year and start fighting for podiums, wins or whatever they are fighting for next year.
"I'm going to keep pushing for this. If that doesn't happen a fourth year in Toro Rosso is unlikely and I'm not going to close the door to any opportunity. I'm definitely ready to take a step forward in my career. I'm not closing any doors."
Sainz's name has also been linked to Renault to partner Nico Hulkenberg next season, while McLaren has also publicly declared its interest in the 22-year-old. Despite all the rumours, Sainz is keeping his head down and attempting to do the best job for Toro Rosso.
"It's still very early, I don't know what is going to happen next year," he said. "It's silly season. It's good fun but for me, the good fun is on track to keep performing as I am up until now. I have a job, which is to drive a car and do it as fast as possible.
"I have got to the point now where I feel confident with the team, with the car and I think the season is going positively until now. Every time we have finished, we've been in the points. We have 11 more points than at this point last season - this is all positive, but we just need to keep working."
Fergal Walsh
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Well Dietrich Mateschitz owns both teams, so he can do what he likes!