Could a subtle negotiation by Red Bull over its Renault engine bill lead to Carlos Sainz racing in a yellow car next season?
Red Bull Racing is finding itself once again at odds with engine supplier Renault following another failure in last weekend's Belgian GP, when Max Verstappen's engine shut down after just eight laps.
Both team and driver have pointed the finger at the French manufacturer, with team boss Christian Horner blasting Renault for delivering 'below par service'.
The Milton Keynes-based outfit could therefore seek a hefty discount on its engine bill, and perhaps throw in Carlos Sainz as an incentive for Renault to provide a reduction.
The Toro Rosso driver has been on Renault's shortlist for some time but his current contractual obligations with Red Bull prevent any move for 2018.
Eager to boost a career his believes is stagnant, Sainz will likely welcome an opportunity to race for Renault next season.
"My future depends entirely on what Red Bull and Helmut Marko do," insists the Spaniard however.
"I do not discuss anything with them because it's all in their hands. All I know is that I have a contract with Toro Rosso for one more year and with Red Bull for a couple more.
"So my future depends on what they judge is best for me and where I have to go," Sainz added.
Sainz found himself at odds with Red Bull's earlier this summer when he expressed his desire to move on to greener pastures next season. He has since reined in that ambition.
"Hopefully Toro Rosso will be better next year and closer to the top three," he said.
"I am not the only driver who wants to take a step forward. There are many others in the middle of the grid in the same situation as me, so we have to be patient for when our moment will come."
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