Whether he stays with Renault in 2019 or moves on to another team, Carlos Sainz wants his future in Formula 1 stabilized for at least two years.
Sainz is currently the subject of much speculation as Red Bull, to which the Spaniard remains contracted, has yet to confirm Daniel Ricciardo's presence at Milton Keynes for next season.
A shock departure of the Aussie would compel Red Bull to call back Sainz.
However, in the very likely case that Ricciardo remains in the bull pen, Sainz would be free to negotiate a 24-month deal with Renault, or perhaps McLaren which is rumored to have approached the 23-year-old.
"At this stage of the year, again, my future is uncertain like it has been in the last three, which means I'm used to it. I know how to live with it," Sainz said
"Hopefully I'll be looking forward to signing a two-year deal with my future team to make sure the next year I'm not in this position again.
"You are fed up of always hearing the same answer by a racing driver, but that's just our job," he added.
"Our job is to make sure that when you put your helmet on, you have nothing in your head."
Regardless of where he ends up, Sainz believes he will be happy, trusting both Red Bull and Renault's endeavors.
"I feel in control of my own future. I feel my management is in control of my own future," he said.
"I feel Red Bull and Renault are going to do the best possible thing for me so I have full trust in those parties and from my side I'm sure I'll be happy where I'll be next year."
Queried in Hockenheim on the subject of Sainz joining McLaren, Zak Brown reiterated the team's stance, meaning no big decisions regarding its 2019 line-up will likely be taken until the Woking-based outfit has clarity on Alonso's future.
"We think Carlos Sainz is a very good race car driver. This is the time of year where you talk to a lot of drivers as we have two seats that we are trying to fill," Brown explained.
"As Fernando said, he is not yet sure what he wants to do, what he wants to drive, so those are scenarios that we are working through and talking to a variety of drivers.
"But we keep those conversations internal and ultimately it’s a bit of a group decision about what we will do with drivers."
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
