Red Bull won't let Sainz go - Horner

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Red Bull values the outstanding talent of Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz, and has every intention in keeping him in its stable of bulls.

Sainz was linked last year to a move to Renault, a prospect which Red Bull quickly put an end to. The Spanish driver aspires to racing with a top team next season, feeling a bit frustrated to remain with an outfit he appreciates but which hinders his ambitions.

But Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner says that Sainz won't be released any time soon.

"Carlos has a contract with Red Bull, who brought him into F1 and he's there for the investment they made," Horner told Spanish broadcaster Movistar.

Prost: 'Sainz is among the best!'

"So at the moment we do not intend to release any of our drivers. Carlos is developing and the Toro Rosso is a good car that should give him good opportunities.

"He's still very young but we value him a lot and that's why we don't want to get rid of him," he added.

While on the subject of Red Bull's drivers, Horner rubbished rumors linking Daniel Ricciardo to Ferrari for 2018, a team which also has its eye on Sainz.

"There are always rumours in Italy," the Brit insisted.

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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.