Toro Rosso set to keep current drivers in 2018

Toro Rosso looks set to re-sign both Carlos Sainz and Daniil Kvyat to the team for 2018, despite questions being raised over the futures of both men before and after the Austrian Grand Prix.

In Sainz's case, controversy arose after the Spaniard was reported as saying it was "unlikely" he would continue with the Italian team next year. Although Red Bull jumped in to swiftly deny he would leave, Sainz later insisted: "It was not even half the drama that it seemed. The subject is closed. My bosses trust me, they have renewed with me, so I don't see a problem."

Red Bull's driver manager Dr Helmut Marko told the Diario Sport newspaper that the matter was made to look worse by Sainz's supposed unwillingness to commit to Toro Rosso for another year, but also that this is irrelevant as Toro Rosso has taken up its 2018 option on the 22 year-old. "We sent him a letter saying that we take up the option," he said. "As far as I know - and since I have been in Red Bull it has been like this - it is not the driver who decides what happens with the contract."

Kvyat, meanwhile, is also heading for a contract renewal despite criticism in Spielberg, according to Red Bull Racing's Christian Horner. The Russian was widely criticised after causing a Turn 1 collision in Austria, and whilst other accidents had previously threatened his career in 2016, Horner says this will not impact on his future with Toro Rosso.

"What happened (in Austria) can happen, so the decision won't be made on the basis of that," he explained. "I think Dany has had a pretty good season. We also have a lot of time inside Red Bull to decide, but I see no reason why we should replace him at this time. Let's wait and see how things develop."

This news comes as plenty of rumours are circulating the F1 paddock regarding the futures of all four Red Bull drivers. Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen have both been linked with a move from the senior team to Ferrari if a seat opens up, while Sainz continues to be a possible candidate for a Renault seat - having already discussed a deal with the Enstone squad last year.

Mason Hawker