Renault to look for Sainz alternatives

Renault admits that they must look for other drivers whilst the future of Carlos Sainz uncertain with Red Bull.

Renault's managing director Cyril Abiteboul wants to confirm his line-up for next year as soon as possible.

Sainz's future is dependant on what Red Bull decide to do with Australian driver, Daniel Ricciardo.

Red Bull believe that a new deal is close to being agreed with Ricciardo, and the driver has admitted that he is likely to stay with the energy drink brand.

Motorsport.com report that Renault have opened talks with Sainz about a long-term deal, but Sainz is only free to leave Red Bull if the Spaniard isn't promoted to the senior team when his loan ends with Renault.

Abiteboul is determined to look for alternatives whilst the deal is being sorted out.

"We'll pay attention to two things: how Carlos' performance evolves, and how the driver situation evolves at Red Bull," Abiteboul told Motorsport.com.

"We're well aware this could have an impact on Carlos' availability for next year.

"My responsibility is to make sure there are alternatives if Carlos were not available for us in the time frame that seems reasonable and necessary for us to define next year's line-up.

"Something I definitely want is to anticipate as quickly as possible next year's line-up.

"We need to be able to look at alternatives, as we know we don't completely control Carlos' future at Renault, because we don't control the future between Red Bull and Carlos."