SEPTEMBER 17, 2016

Sainz, even Kvyat, linked with Renault switch

Both of Toro Rosso's drivers are being linked with a sensational switch to the works Renault team for 2017.

Both of Toro Rosso's drivers are being linked with a sensational switch to the works Renault team for 2017.

Rumours that team owner Red Bull could 'sell' Carlos Sainz to Renault and get an engine price discount in return have been circulating for some time.

Those rumours are still swirling in the Singapore paddock.

"There are rumours, but if you worried about all the rumours in formula one at this time of the year, I think there would be no time to sleep," Sainz, already under contract to Toro Rosso for 2017, is quoted by Mundo Deportivo newspaper.

Renault's apparent interest in Sainz would be understandable, as he fared well alongside Max Verstappen at Toro Rosso and is now shining with Daniil Kvyat as his new teammate.

Sainz said: "I have the impression that other people think it's easy to beat your teammate and especially if it's Kvyat -- but it's not easy."

But Russian Kvyat is also still highly rated by some, and Russian media sources are even linking the beleaguered 22-year-old with Renault for 2017.

However, others believe he is at much greater risk of losing his place in F1 altogether.

"Right now I'm in the formula one paddock and I'm fully focused on my work," Kvyat said in Singapore.

"Of course, life can change in a lot of different ways, but I like what I'm doing now and ideally I would not want to change anything.

"It will depend on how events will unfold," he added.

(GMM)