Sainz now playing down Renault switch

Carlos Sainz has now joined those playing down a switch to Renault for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

It had been widely reported that Sainz was switching to Renault for the next race in Hungary replacing Jolyon Palmer in the team. However in recent days christian Horner, Helmut Marko, Franz Tost and Cyril Abiteboul have all denied the switch happening.

Now Sainz has joined the list of people denying the switch saying: "I am not thinking about anything except the Hungarian grand prix with Toro Rosso.”

When asked about the Renault switch Rumours and his relationship with Red Bull following Austria, where the team publically criticised him, Sainz elaborated on his point. Sainz said: "Yes, many people are asking me to comment on these rumours. For me, it's just speculation, and I do not comment on that. After Austria we all made clear that what was said was misunderstood, At Silverstone I was playing tennis with Christian Horner, and Helmut was the umpire. We had a great time and everything between us is all in order now. I am a Red Bull driver, taking part in the youth programme of the company and I am sure that I will stay at Toro Rosso next year, trying to deal with the problems starting with the Hungarian grand prix”

Sam Gale