F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Sainz never in contention for Rosberg's seat - Tost

Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost said that Carlos Sainz never stood a chance of replacing retired world champion Nico Rosberg at Mercedes.

Upon the German driver's shock decision to walk away from Formula 1, speculation ramped up about who would replace him alongside Lewis Hamilton in the Silver Arrows team.

Carlos Sainz was mentioned as figuring on Toto Wolff's short list of potential drivers, but Franz Tost sets the record straight.

"Ha, I was not worried because he has a Red Bull contract," Tost said in an interview with the official F1 website.

"Do I think he would be good enough to survive alongside Hamilton? Yes. Carlos is a very skilled driver who on a couple of occasions was faster than Max (Verstappen).

"Carlos has a very high natural speed. He will shine if we are able to give him the right car."

Tost believes the Faenza-based outfit has all the right ingredients to enjoy a good season, and he's hoping his drivers - Sainz and Dany Kvyat - will have the opportunity tp perform to the best of their ability.

"I want them to compete well," said the Austrian.

"And it is up to us to make it happen because Carlos and Daniil have huge potential."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

 

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

14 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

16 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

17 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

19 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

20 hours ago

Ferrari's 2024 Season: Marked improvement and a fight to the finish

Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…

21 hours ago