Sainz Snr: Red Bull aren't the 'bad guys'

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Carlos Sainz snr will not accept any criticism of Red Bull because of its protective attitude towards the rally legend's son.

Sainz Jr enjoyed a steady 2016 campaign with Toro Rosso, but admitted to have been a bit rattled by Max Verstappen's promotion early on in the season to Red Bull Racing.

Red Bull also made clear to both Renault and Mercedes that it had no intention of releasing the Spaniard from his ongoing Formula 1 contract, thus crushing any preliminary talks that had taken place with the respective teams.

'Angry but patient' Sainz laments stagnation

"We are talking like they (Red Bull) are the bad guys and it's nothing like that," the 54-year-old told Spanish radio Cadena Ser.

"We owe them a lot. The most important thing is to focus on 2017," Sainz snr added, referring to his son's forthcoming third consecutive campaign for Toro Rosso.

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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.