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Red Bull are desperate to hang on to their "reserve driver" Carlos Sainz beyond 2017, according to head of the Red Bull junior programme Dr Helmut Marko.
Some are raising their eyebrows after Renault, who earlier made a bid to sign Spaniard Sainz for 2017, unveiled a new F1 sponsorship deal with Spanish company Mapfre.
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"Historical affinities between Renault, F1 and Spain are once more alive thanks to this partnership," said team boss Cyril Abiteboul.
Sainz impressed many around the paddock with some of his performances in 2016 but despite Renault's interests to sign the Spaniard, Red Bull are determined to keep him at the team.
"We have a long term contract with Carlos and the situation at Mercedes shows how important it is to have reserve drivers," said Marko. "Sainz is clearly our reserve driver in case anything happens at Red Bull Racing," he added.
After a season with year-old Ferrari engines, Toro Rosso is moving to up-to-date Renault power for 2017, and technically closer to Red Bull in other areas as well.
Marko explained: "Toro Rosso has to achieve better results so we have the target of fifth place for them in 2017.
"With a good designer like James Key they have the potential, and we see it as positive that both drivers (Sainz and Daniil Kvyat) are staying because that provides stability. They are a good mid-table team and what Carlos was offered (by Renault) was no better than that, or worse," Marko added.
Fergal Walsh
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
C. Sainz jr
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Sainz won't be at Toro Rosso in 2018, that's all but confirmed..