Sainz wants two-year deal, irrespective of team

Linked to McLaren in F1’s silly season rumours, Carlos Sainz says whoever he races for next season, he wants a “two-year deal” with that team.

While it was initially thought that Sainz would remain with Renault next season, the Spaniard has been linked to a move to McLaren in recent weeks.

Although currently a Red Bull driver, the Milton Keynes team is expected to re-sign Daniel Ricciardo, freeing Sainz to decide his own future.

And while that is uncertain, the driver says the one thing he does know is that he wants a two-year contract.

“At this stage of the year, again, my future is uncertain like it has been in the last three, which means I’m used to it. I know how to live with it,” said the 23-year-old.

“Hopefully I’ll be looking forward to signing a two-year deal with my future team to make sure the next year I’m not in this position again.

“You are fed up of always hearing the same answer by a racing driver, but that’s just our job.

“Our job is to make sure that when you put your helmet on, you have nothing in your head.”

The driver gave the broadest hint yet that his future may rest with Renault, saying he believes his current team and Red Bull will do right by him despite Red Bull ending their engine partnership with Renault.

He added: “I feel in control of my own future. I feel my management is in control of my own future.

“I feel Red Bull and Renault are going to do the best possible thing for me so I have full trust in those parties and from my side I’m sure I’ll be happy where I’ll be next year.”

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