JULY 11, 2016

Sainz rejects Renault seat trade rumours

Carlos Sainz and Toro Rosso have rejected the latest speculation about the Spaniard's future in F1.

Carlos Sainz and Toro Rosso have rejected the latest speculation about the Spaniard's future in F1.

Although the energy drink company recently took up the 2017 option on Sainz's contract, many suggested it occurred suspiciously early in the season.

It triggered rumours in the Spanish press that Red Bull might in fact not place keep the 21-year-old at Toro Rosso next year, but instead trade him with the Renault works team in exchange for cheaper engines.

"Am I a currency now?" Sainz was quoted by Speed Week when asked about the rumours at Silverstone, adding that such a deal would be "strange".

Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost agreed, declaring: "This is a completely groundless rumour which I can summarise in two words -- utter nonsense."

(GMM)