Prost: 'Sainz is among the best!'

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Four-time world champion and Renault F1 advisor Alain Prost is singing the praises of Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz.

While the promotion last year of his former team mate Max Verstappen to Red Bull Racing dealt a bit of a blow to the Spanish driver, Sainz is widely regarded as a great talent jus biding his time.

Sainz's rock solid contract with Red Bull means the junior bull isn't likely going anywhere anytime soon, but that could change in the future.

"I would like to see how he would do in a major team," Prost told France's Auto Hebdo.

"I would put him in a Ferrari. A few months ago I recommended him to Ferrari so you can imagine that I'm a big fan of his," he added.

Sainz never in contention for Rosberg's seat - Tost

As a consultant and advisor working closely with Renault in Formula 1, Prost was perhaps the source of the rumored interest the French manufactures held for Sainz last year.

"Right now we do not think about the drivers for next year," Prost said.

"But for me Carlos is one of the top drivers. Many teams are interested in him."

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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.