Alonso not quitting anytime soon - Sainz

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Carlos Sainz believes that his countryman Fernando Alonso will fight off any thoughts he may have about retiring from F1 once he drives this year's cars.

The McLaren-Honda driver has endured two very lean years since joining the Woking-based outfit, and hasn't won a race since Barcelona 2013 when he clinched his 32nd career win, driving for Ferrari.

Sainz believes however that his countryman will be happy with what he sees in 2017.

"They are faster cars, with the aerodynamic loads of the golden years of 2005," Sainz told the Spanish media.

"The tyres are wider and degrade less, allowing us to attack more.

"I do not have much contact with Fernando -- less than people believe anyway. In fact, I don't know what he is doing in the pre-season, but I do think Fernando will have a hard time retiring after he tries the new cars."

Sainz praises Alonso for support and mentoring

Sainz recently started work in the Red Bull simulator, and declared that from what he has sampled the 2017 Toro Rosso will be "fast and impressive".

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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.