Sainz not focused on Red Bull during 'strange' Renault loan

Carlos Sainz Jr says he is trying to forget about the "strange situation" which sees him on loan at Renault from Red Bull, a move most often completed by footballers. The Spaniard remains contracted by Red Bull and has been linked with a return to the team.

Although Max Verstappen's Red Bull future is secure, they could have a seat to fill at the end of the year, with Daniel Ricciardo out of contract.

Both Mercedes and Ferrari have been linked with the Australian, who is reportedly keen to pick a seat which gives him the best chance of winning races and fighting for the championship.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has already namechecked Sainz as a potential replacement for Ricciardo should he leave.

Having spent the traditional Red Bull apprenticeship at Toro Rosso before his move to Renault at the back-end of last year, Sainz is trying to focus on his current employers rather than the future.

Sainz told Autosport: "I've not heard of many drivers who are on loan, it's more of a football term.

"It's a bit of a strange situation, I'm a special case at the moment. That's why I can't let it get into my head.

"I need to just do what I was doing at Toro Rosso, having a good race every time I go out on track, and then things fall for themselves, like it did at Toro Rosso.

"Who would have told me when I was at Toro Rosso that this year I would be at Renault? No-one. It is a very special situation."

Sainz finished 10th at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, despite fighting off mid-race sickness at Albert Park.

Regular points finishes could be enough to convince Red Bull of his abilities, but Sainz says his sights are not set on Milton Keynes.

"I'm trying to impress myself," he added. "By that I mean I'm really looking forward to having a full season with a team

"I'm going to keep it open, keep performing the way I've been doing.

"Things will sort out for themselves, normally if you perform well good things are coming."