Carlos Sainz has suggested he could force a move out of the Red Bull stable if he does not get a promotion to the senior team for 2018.

The Spaniard has been patiently waiting for a seat at Toro Rosso since joining alongside Max Verstappen in 2015 but now it appears the in-demand 22-year-old has decided enough is enough.

Speaking ahead of the Austrian energy drinks giant's home race at their own circuit, the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Sainz acknowledges he is still more than happy to remain with the company if the chance to move up is available.

“It’s still a long season ahead and these rumours will always come,” he initially said to reports of his future. 

“My target number one is to be with Red Bull next year and start fighting for podiums, wins or whatever they are fighting for next year.

“I’m going to keep pushing for this. If that doesn’t happen, a fourth year in Toro Rosso is unlikely and I’m not going to close the door to any opportunity.

“I’m definitely ready to take a step forward in my career - I’m ready. I’m not closing any doors. We’ll see what happens.”

As mentioned, Sainz is a man on many teams' radars, including Renault and Ferrari, but the most likely option would appear to be McLaren with the prospect of replacing his fellow countryman Fernando Alonso. 

It would require a lot of negotiation for Red Bull to allow a move however, with motorsport advisor Helmut Marko and senior team boss Christian Horner desperate to keep Sainz on their books as the back-up should Max Verstappen or more likely Daniel Ricciardo make a move away. 

“It’s still very early, I don’t know what is going to happen next year," the second generation racing driver added. “It’s silly season. It’s good fun but for me, the good fun is on track to keep performing as I am up until now.

“I have a job, which is to drive a car and do it as fast as possible.

“I have got to the point now where I feel confident with the team, with the car and I think the season is going positively until now.

“Every time we have finished, we’ve been in the points,” he continued. “We have 11 more points than at this point last season - this is all positive, but we just need to keep working.”