Sainz : '2017 F1 looks like it's from a different category'

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Carlos Sainz recently had his very first look at Toro Rosso's 2017 challenger and came away highly excited by what he saw.

Designed to the guidelines of a very different set of rules compared to those which have prevailed up to now, the team's future battle horse looks like something from a different category, according to the Spanish driver.

"I've seen it in the windtunnel," Sainz said. "I must say, it looks like another category to this year. That's what F1 needs. We call it hybrid F1. It's hybrid, it's not quite full F1. The car next year looks like a proper F1 car."

Technical snapshot - Spa-Francorchamps

Larger tyres and bigger wings are outlining Formula 1's main cosmetic changes for 2017, and while there are no doubts over the performance enhancements linked to the new technical regulations, one hopes the racing itself will also benefit from the modifications.

"Just to really put a bit more of ourself on the line on a qualifying lap will already make it more fun," says Daniel Ricciardo.

"If the race eventually mellows out to a similar sort of style to this year, I don't think that's tragic, I think that's OK.

"I'm sure we'll still have to manage tyres and do all that. I can't see that changing anytime soon.

"We've got used to it and in a way it's been fun managing it and it does sometimes create a two-stop or a three-stop instead of a two."

Belgian Grand Prix - quotes of the week

F1i's driver ratings - Spa-Francorchamps

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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.