Carlos Sainz believes Toro Rosso can be even stronger in 2016 despite the recent doubts over its future in the sport.
Red Bull had threatened to quit F1 if it didn’t receive a competitive power unit, a move which would also have seen Toro Rosso drop off the grid. However, Red Bull appears close to a resolution for 2016 and the junior team is expected to run a version of the Ferrari power unit in place of this year’s Renault.
Asked if the uncertainty ever led to him fearing Toro Rosso could drop out of F1 next season, Sainz told F1i: “No, never.
“These concerns were never in my hands, I just knew before the start of the year I had a lot of work to do to prove to everyone that I could be good in F1 and that I could also succeed and surprise in F1. At the beginning of the year maybe it was a bit of a concern because I was really under the radar of everyone but through the races I demonstrated this and now I feel confident.
“I think next year could be a good year as soon as we solve these reliability issues, a bit more power … as soon as all this happens then we will be in a really good position to keep showing good performances next year.”
And Sainz bases his confidence on this year’s Toro Rosso design, which he says has helped himself and team-mate Max Verstappen stand out this season.
“The car is great. I have to thank STR because when you are a rookie you need a good car to perform well and show everyone what you are able to do. STR gave us this car this year to show it and it has been great to drive.”
'In F1 you discover a whole new person in yourself' - click here for the full Carlos Sainz interview
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