Red Bull isn't my dream - Sainz

Carlos Sainz Jr insists he is not looking to secure a future with Red Bull as he embarks upon his first season with the Renault works team. The former Toro Rosso man is on loan to the French squad, where he says his full focus lies.

Sainz was part of Red Bull's junior program and raced for Toro Rosso from the start of the 2015 season until late in 2017, when his move to Renault was brought forward.

He was overlooked by the main team when Max Verstappen was elevated to replace Daniil Kvyat, following the Russian's calamitous start to 2016, despite largely matching the Dutch superstar's performances.

Though Verstappen is contracted through to 2020, Daniel Ricciardo's Red Bull deal expires at the end of the campaign, with Sainz mentioned as a potential replacement for the Australian.

But Sainz remains happy where he is for now, saying: "That is not my dream.

"My only dream is to do a good year in 2018 and that will lead me to even better things within this team or outside of it.

"What Renault deserves right now is my maximum commitment to this project rather than thinking about Red Bull or other things."

Renault have been tipped to close down Red Bull in the standings this year and even get close to Ferrari or Mercedes, but Sainz played down such suggestions.

? Day 04 afternoon done for Carlos
? 1:20.940
???? 60 laps
???? P6

???? full report: https://t.co/rF5fr21i3Y #RSspirit #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/6ng8oXLn8S — Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) March 1, 2018

"I think it will be very difficult for teams like McLaren, Renault or even Red Bull to win because Mercedes and Ferrari are at a spectacular level," he said

"We do not have a Mercedes or a Ferrari but I think it will be a car for me to take the step forward I've wanted."