F1: Toro Rosso expects to keep Sainz for 2017

Toro Rosso Formula 1 team principal Franz Tost expects Carlos Sainz Jr. to stay on board for a third season in 2017. The Spaniard was overlooked for promotion in favor of Max Verstappen when Red Bull chose to send Daniil Kvyat back to Toro Rosso earlier this year.

Sainz has performed strongly this season, scoring points five times in eight races, but has also been hampered by team errors and mechanical issues. The door to Red Bull is currently closed with Daniel Ricciardo and Verstappen racing for the outfit next year.

"I always talking about a three-year program," said Tost, speaking at the FIA Sport Conference in Turin. "It depends always what's going on at Red Bull, which for next season is full with Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen.

"It looks like, and I personally hope this is the case, Carlos Sainz will stay with Toro Rosso – I think this will be confirmed soon. It's a good possibility for Carlos to show his talent.

"I hope our car next year is very competitive, that he will not find as many disadvantages as in another team."

Tost confirmed Red Bull has an option on Sainz and it will be one to make the call as to whether to retain him.

When asked if Kvyat would be a good fit to stay on alongside Sainz in 2017, Tost said: "We will see. The driver line-up for TR for next year is not 100% decided yet. I expect Carlos will stay with us.

"Personally, I hope Kvyat will stay with us because I think he's a real good driver. But he has to feel well and then we will see what the future shows. He can do a good job and people can see he is talented. That he gets back the confidence is important."

Tost conceded Kvyat's promotion to Red Bull after just one season, where he struggled for form, was not ideal but was necessary because the senior team needed a replacement for Sebastian Vettel.

"Ideally maybe it would have been better to stay at Toro Rosso but circumstances at that stage demanded this," he said. "Afterwards, everyone is cleverer but we must not forget Red Bull is a team which is fighting for championships. When you are fighting for championships, of course you need experience."

Originally on Autosport.com