Sainz never in contention for Rosberg's seat - Tost

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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."

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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.