Carlos Sainz Jr. has accepted that remaining at Toro Rosso for a fourth season is “unlikely”, as he continues to strive for a seat at Red Bull next year.
Sainz Jr. stepped up to Formula 1 with Toro Rosso in 2015, following a junior career backed by Red Bull, and holds ninth place in this year’s standings.
Sainz Jr. has angled for a 2018 Red Bull seat, but the senior squad has insisted that both Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen remain under firm contracts for next season.
Sainz Jr. remains hopeful that he can emerge in contention for a Red Bull drive, and believes he will not stay with Toro Rosso into 2018 if his Red Bull hopes do not materialise.
“I think it’s still a very long season ahead, obviously these rumours are obviously going to come at this stage,” Sainz Jr. said when questioned about his future ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.
“As you know my target number one is to be with Red Bull next year and start fighting for podiums or wins, or whatever they are fighting for next year.
“I’m going to keep pushing for this. If that doesn’t happen, obviously a fourth year at Toro Rosso is unlikely, and I’m not going to close the door to any opportunity.”
No driver has entered a fourth season at Toro Rosso, with Sébastien Buemi and Jean-Éric Vergne both departing the team – and the sport – after their third full campaign.
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