Tost expects Sainz to stay at Toro Rosso in 2017

Sainz has impressed greatly since stepping up to Toro Rosso at the start of 2014.

He proved to be a match for then team-mate Max Verstappen in qualifying pace and he has shone even more since the Dutchman was swapped with Daniil Kvyat.

With Sainz’s strong form having already prompted speculation that he could be a target for Ferrari, Tost has made it clear that he expects the Spaniard to remain on board for next season.

“I always am talking about a three-year programme,” said Tost at the FIA Sports Conference in Turin on Tuesday. “I don’t see any problem there, because it depends always what’s going on at Red Bull Racing, and for next season it is full with Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen.

“It looks like, and I personally hope that this is the case, that Carlos Sainz will stay with Toro Rosso. I think this will be confirmed soon.

“It’s also a good possibility for Carlos to show his talent and I hope that our car next year is very competitive, and that he will not find any disadvantages compared to another team.”

A final decision on Sainz’s future rests with the parent Red Bull company, which has the option on Sainz’s contract for next season.

It is unlikely, judging by his form, that the energy drinks giant will not choose to retain him.

Kvyat “has to feel well”

Tost also said that he would like Kvyat to stay for 2017, following his mid-season return to Toro Rosso.

The Russian has been delivering better results now he has got more used to his car, and Tost believes that the Russia deserves another contract for next season.

“The driver line-up at Toro Rosso for next year is not 100 percent decided yet,” explained Tost. “I expect Carlos will stay with us. Personally I would hope that also Daniil Kvyat will stay with us, because he is a really good driver. But he has to feel well. Then we will see what the future holds.”

Kvyat’s hopes of staying could also be boosted by the fact that its junior driver Pierre Gasly has not delivered the success hoped for in GP2 – having missed out on another win in Baku.

Speaking about Gasly, Tost said: “At the end it is a decision from Red Bull Racing to bring in a driver which shows the best possible performance for the team and for Red Bull.”

Additional reporting by Kate Walker