Carlos Sainz not confirming Renault switch
- Published on 11 Sep 2017 10:23
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- By: Rob Veenstra
Carlos Sainz looks set to contest his final race for Toro Rosso this weekend in Singapore. Multiple sources are reporting that, in Singapore, the Spaniard will sign a contract to complete his switch from the junior Red Bull team to Renault.
He will reportedly replace the struggling Jolyon Palmer, with Red Bull rookie Pierre Gasly jetting in from his Super Formula duties in Japan to fill in for Sainz at Toro Rosso. It appears to be the move that completes the complex divorce saga between McLaren and Honda, with the British team switching to Renault power for 2018 and Toro Rosso signing up with Honda.
However, Sainz is not confirming his impending move. "Red Bull does its best for my career and so whatever they decide, I will accept it," he told Marca sports newspaper during a sponsor event at the weekend. It is difficult for me because what I say may please one person and displease another, so I prefer to say nothing. All I know is that there are many people in Toro Rosso that I want to think for making me the driver I am today," Sainz added.
Asked if a conclusion to the entire McLaren-Honda-Renault-Toro Rosso saga is now imminent, he answered: "I don't know. But I think for the sake of the teams involved, they are going to have to decide sooner rather than later, because (preparation for) 2018 is already here," Sainz told EFE nes agency.
Germany's Auto Bild said the transfer fee agreed between Red Bull and Renault for Sainz is EUR 8 million. The publication said Sainz, 22, had a seat fitting at Renault's Enstone factory last week. (GMM)
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Replies (7)
Login to replyboudy
Posts: 1,168
If so ... good luck to him. New driver in TR looking forward to that. Honda unit in Redbull machine looking forward to that. The combination Honda Redbull could spice things up.
And doesn't Alonso choose to leave always at the wrong times ....
f1ski
Posts: 726
the Alonso remark is dead on
kngrthr
Posts: 203
here's the deal...
we will give away Saints and our good Renault engine and we get......
a honda...
hmmm.
i want to buy land from these people
mbmwe36
Posts: 533
Good Renault engine? I would call it mediocre at best.
Sainz leaving is of course not ideal, but what are they gonna do with him? He's going nowhere fast at Toro Rosso, and while there may be a spot for him at Red Bull in 2019, that is not a given. So it makes sense to offload him for a nice amount of money, and promote someone from their own programme.
On top off that, Honda will compensate them nicely because they are Honda's only shot. If everything works out nicely, Red Bull can make the jump next year, and basically become a works team.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
If Honda play their cards well, and Red Bull grab them they will become the Works Honda team if McLaren isnt on. Lets be honest: between Red Bull and McLaren, Red Bull has been far more successful these last years. The only two times they havent produced top notch chassis has been 2015 and this year, and this year's chassis has still been competitive in low drag mode.
kngrthr
Posts: 203
you are right, red bull will probably benefit long term but giving away saints as part of the deal seems odd.
my beliefis that the renault engine is nearly there. look at riciardos performances at two fast tracks.
next year it will be strong.
mclaren will move from nearly last to top 4 finishes along side redbull depending on how well others develop of course.
toro rosso will be last for a few years yet. i don't think honda has the internal structure company wise or the right personnel to get the job done soon
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Im inclined to disagree. They might be closer this year in terms of output, but it doesnt matter when their reliability is so poor. As for Honda's potential: I think they can perform. Mind, I really doubt this year is representative of either one, this season is little more than sacrificial lambs to them to get better seasons in 2018 and onward.