Sainz focused on the present, dismisses potential Red Bull recall

©WRI2

40

Carlos Sainz insists he isn't giving his future a thought, preferring to focus on the present and the immediate job at hand with Renault.

The 23-year-old enjoyed an early entry into the French team last year, departing Toro Rosso after the Japanese Grand Prix to replace Jolyon Palmer at Renault.

However, Sainz is still contracted to Red Bull which supported the Spaniard from his days in the junior ranks, and is on loan to Renault for 2018.

Could he be recalled by the Milton Keynes-based outfit next season? Anything is possible, but Sainz will cross that bridge when he gets to it, if he ever does.

"In this situation, my head is always on the present. My future at the moment is the least of my concerns," Sainz said.

"I know if I have a good year, a lot of opportunities will come, so it is better to focus on the present than ahead. So I will focus on my best for Renault because this is what they deserve.

Carlos Sainz Sr. expecting a 'step forward' for his son in 2018

"It is impossible to know what the future will bring and what will happen at the first race, having not tried the new car, so it is all about focusing on the present."

Renault heads into its third season of F1 since its buy-out of Lotus at the end of 2015. The team confirmed its steady upward trend last year, although reliability issues led to several botched opportunities.

While still a work in progress, Sainz is convinced the French squad will continue to move forward this season.

"It is always difficult but I think the team has progressed during the winter," Sainz said.

"I don’t know how much, but I am convinced the team has done great steps to move forward this year.

"We now depend on the others and to know how they have done, but we’re convinced we’ve made a step forward."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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.