Sainz relieved by new Toro Rosso contract

Carlos Sainz says that extending his contract with Toro Rosso into 2017 at the current stage of the season has brought him satisfaction and a sense of relief.

With former team mate Max Verstappen recruited by Red Bull, Sainz future with the energy drinks group may have appeared uncertain, helped by rumors that Ferrari and Renault had short-listed the Spaniard for 2017.

But Sainz was confident he would remain within the Red Bull family, who indeed has kept the junior bull within its stable for another year at the very minimum.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Carlos Sainz expressed his contentment and renewed sense of comfort.

"It's a very positive thing for me because in such a tough programme like Red Bull, and with Toro Rosso such a tough team to remain and to keep going with - we all know their history with young drivers - to break this tendency and sign a contract so early in the year is a special feeling and a special case. I'm very happy about that.

"It means I have the full confidence and full trust of Red Bull and Toro Rosso and means we can have good stability for the end of the year and next year. It will be an important year for them and for me. It's just the best news at the right time, so I'm very happy about it."

While Sainz was confident his future would remain associated with Red Bull, only the effective contract extension signing provided real relief.

"Until you sign something, or until someone tells you [you're staying], in this programme there's always going to be a bit of a doubt because we all know how this works.

"So I must be very grateful to Helmut [Marko], to Christian for committing so early to it and for giving me so much confidence and so much trust.

"I know there is also good young talent and people wanting to be in this seat, so I just have to thank them and tell them I will give my best to keep going."

Asked how he views the future in light of the fact that both Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen have committed to Red Bull Racing for several years, Sainz remains focused on the near-term.

"Honestly, we didn't speak too much about that. Red Bull is very short-term planning and Toro Rosso particularly, because it's a short period of time that you remain.

"I know the seats at Red Bull are occupied, but it's my job to keep scoring strong results and putting a bit of pressure on and showing that they need to put me in that seat also.

"I understand they are very happy with their two drivers because they are two really good drivers, but in the end I have to create my own opportunities and chances and that's by doing a strong end of the season and a strong 2017, which I am fully focused on."

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