Sainz to race for Toro Rosso in Hungary - Marko

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Carlos Sainz will still be a Toro Rosso driver in Budapest in two weeks, syas Helmut Marko, crushing rumors of the Spaniard's release from Red Bull and an impending move to Renault.

Rumors fueled by Germany's Auto Bild and swirling around Silverstone yesterday suggested that Red Bull and Sainz were on the verge of severing ties, with the Toro Rosso driver no longer figuring in the energy company's F1 plans for the future.

Both Helmut Marko and Christian Horner denied any imminent move by Sainz who nevertheless appears to be at the top of Renault's short-list for 2018.

Reading between the lines however, the 22-year-old's future with his current employer does appear to be in flux.

"A lot is written in the media, but Carlos will be with Toro Rosso in Hungary," said Marko.

"And I am currently assuming that he will drive with us for the rest of the season."

Sainz set for shock move to Renault for Hungary?

Horner was abit more circumspect however.

"Carlos has a contract that expires in two years," said the Red Bull Racing boss.

"If some other team wants him and wants to make us a serious offer, we are ready to consider it. But I doubt this will happen by Hungary."

As for Sainz himself, the driver is assuming it will business as usual going forward.

"It would be very strange if I had not been told about this if it was happening," Sainz told broadcaster Movistar.

"The last thing I heard was that I was a Toro Rosso driver."

Finally, Renault Sport F1 Cyril Abiteboul - who earlier this week confirmed the manufacturer's interest in Robert Kubica - did not deny the French outfit's high interest in Sainz.

"Sainz will definitely not replace Palmer in Hungary, but we are interested in Sainz for the future."

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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.