Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost says he has three candidates to choose between for the now vacant seat following Daniel Ricciardo’s promotion to Red Bull.
He has already confirmed that Jean-Eric Vergne will remain at the Italian team next season, therefore leaving just one opening.
“[Carlos] Sainz, [Daniil] Kvyat and [Antonio Felix] Da Costa are the three candidates for the seat,” he said whilst speaking to Marca.
It’s believed that 22-year-old Da Costa is the current favourite with 19-year-old Kyvat a close second, but Tost admitted it was unlikely he’d choose Sainz Jr.
“I think Carlos is missing two seasons to do [F1]. I don’t think you should get into F1 before you are 20 years-old, nor should you expect too much because they can burn on the way. Carlos has to continue competing in lower formulas, grow and then wait to make the leap.”
Realistically then, just two drivers remain in the running, and Tost says he will make the decision after consulting with “several people” which will likely include Helmut Marko and Dietrich Mateschitz.
“I will decide, but the decision will involve discussions with several people and will be what is best for everyone. You can never say no to anything, but I do not think we will run Carlos in 2014.”
