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Sainz clears the air with Red Bull, and learns

Carlos Sainz created a bit of a stir with his employers recently when he said he could not envisage racing for a fourth season with Toro Rosso.

A few members of the German media picked up his public comments and ran with them at Silverstone last weekend, claiming that the Spaniard and Red Bull had fallen out and that Sainz would be heading to Renault as soon as the Hungarian Grand Prix!

Red Bull's Helmut Marko quickly crushed the story however, with Sainz also confirming his presence at Toro Rosso, not only in Hungary but also for the remainder of the season, and even next year, although Marko has indicated that the energy drink company could release its driver for the right price.

In hindsight, it turned out that Sainz had actually cleared the air with Red Bull right after Austria, and done his own bit of introspection.

Sainz to race for Toro Rosso in Hungary - Marko

"As a 22-year-old driver you learn from these kind of things and the air was cleared immediately once we started our conversation in Austria," he said.

"At that point it was forgotten, I kept focusing on my job like I've done all season. I think there was a bit [of confusion] and I've learned from it.

"Today I'm calm because I don't have a reason to really be too stressed."

Sainz says all is well for himself within the Red Bull family with whom he spent most of his off-track time during last weekend's British Grand Prix.

"We were playing tennis [at the weekend] together, had a barbecue, enjoying our time - me versus Christian Horner and Marko was the referee.

"So we had a good time, the air is clear, and I'm a Red Bull driver inside the Red Bull programme confirmed for Toro Rosso next year."

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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.