Sainz: 'No intention of breaking Red Bull contract'

©WRI2

40

As tensions have eased between Carlos Sainz and his Red Bull employer, the Spaniard insists he will honour his contract with Toro Rosso to its full term.

Sainz found himself at odds with Red Bull boss Helmut Marko as he sought a move to greener pastures for 2018 despite a contract with Toro Rosso which runs one more year.

The 22-year-old was apparently at the top of Renault's short list and eager to move on in an attempt to further an F1 career he sees as stagnant without the opportunity to move up to Red Bull Racing.

"As in life in general, a contract has a lot of importance in Formula 1," Sainz told the Spanish-language Soy Motor.

"Thinking about my situation, I'm happy where I am and have no intention of breaking any contract.

"I think everything was taken out of context, both in my statements and maybe the reaction on their side.

Sainz uncomfortable being 'against' Red Bull chiefs

"It was cleared up and is now understood a lot better. We are all much calmer and happier now," he added.

Sainz also played down the apparent dispute over on-track clashes with his teammate Dany Kvyat.

"It's just things that happen," he said.

"I think in a year of Formula 1, there will always be a race with a little tension with your teammate, and another one in which the team boss says something.

"I'm lucky that I'm doing a very good year, contributing very good results for the team, that I have many points. I think for that I can be happy and proud."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.