Sainz has no intention to break Red Bull contract

Carlos Sainz admits that he has no intentions of breaking his contract with Red Bull, despite many recent reports linking him with a move away from the Red Bull family. Earlier this year, Sainz claimed that a fourth year at Toro Rosso is unlikely, followed by authoritative replies from Red Bull chiefs Helmut Marko and Christian Horner.

Sainz made his Formula 1 debut in 2015 for Toro Rosso, Red Bull's junior team, alongside Max Verstappen. Sainz has gained a positive reputation and receives praise weekend after weekend from compatriot and two-time world champion Fernando Alonso. 

Sainz stated that he has no plans to change his current situation: "As in life in general, a contract has a lot of importance in formula one," Sainz told the Spanish-language Soy Motor. "Thinking about my situation, I'm happy where I am and have no intention of breaking any contract."

"I think everything was taken out of context," Sainz said about his small scuffle with the Red Bull bosses, "both in my statements and maybe the reaction on their side. It was cleared up and is now understood a lot better. We are all much calmer and happier now."

The 22-year-old also played down the tensions between himself and teammate Daniil Kvyat. The two have had a couple of incidents this year, most memorably at the British Grand Prix when the pair collided after attempting to go side-by-side through the tight Maggotts and Becketts complex.

"It's just things that happen," Sainz said. "I think in a year of Formula 1, there will always be a race with a little tension with your teammate, and another one in which the team boss says something. I'm lucky that I'm doing a very good year, contributing very good results for the team, that I have many points. I think for that I can be happy and proud."

Fergal Walsh