Sainz is on Ferrari's short list for 2018!

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Carlos Sainz is apparently in Ferrari's line of sight for 2017 despite the Spaniard firmly contracted to Red Bull for the next season.

This isn't the first time rumors have bubbled that the House of Maranello holds Sainz in high esteem, while Renault is also a big fan of the 22-year-old Toro Rosso driver.

Regardless of his contractual affairs with Red Bull, Sainz is obviously pleased with Ferrari's interest, according to Sky Italia.

"Thank you, because it's a list every driver wants to be on, but I owe a lot to Red Bull," Sainz said.

"For me there are not enough places for all the good drivers in F1.

"Look at Fernando (Alonso). I'm not asking for all cars to be the same, but if Carlos Sainz does a perfect weekend, he cannot be on the podium.

Guess what's on Carlos Sainz's bucket list?

"But as long as I am a Toro Rosso driver I will not lose hope of going up to Red Bull, so I will keep giving everything to try," Sainz added.

As for Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost's claim that he might stay with the Faenza team next year, Sainz is keeping an open mind.

"I don't think about it yet, it's too soon and for me it's necessary to leave all the doors open.

"But I will also never close the door or the opportunity to continue one more year, because for the moment I am very happy here."

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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.