Sainz's father plays down new Renault rumours

Carlos Sainz's father has hushed rumours that his son could be heading to Renault for 2018, after it has emerged in recent days that the Frech manufacturer are looking at a Spanish driver for 2018.

Renault signed a deal with MAPFRE, a leading Spanish insurer. While the deal raised some eyebrows, Renault have confirmed that they are interested in a Spanish driver for the future.

With Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz the only Spanish drivers on the grid, it seems likely that Renault will approach Red Bull for a Sainz deal this year, after negotiations between the two were blocked last by by the energy drinks outfit.

"Renault? I don't even think about it -- it's a thing of the press," Sainz's father, the two-time former rally champion, told EFE news agency. "It's inappropriate to start talking about that. In his head there is nothing other than Toro Rosso and getting the most out of that car."

"I am convinced that if Carlos does a good year again and squeezes as much from the car as possible, the opportunities will come. As for the rest, he should forget about it."

Fergal Walsh