Fernando Alonso has said that his young countryman Carlos Sainz should not be disappointed that he is staying at Toro Rosso for a third year in 2017.
Team owner Red Bull have taken up their option on the Spaniard, even though he had been linked with Ferrari.
"Everyone knows that if they want to negotiate with me, they have to call Helmut Marko," Sainz is quoted as saying by EFE news agency.
"I could leave but a team would have to pay a lot of money to get me. I trust Helmut. We all know he is tough, but such an early contract extension for next season gives me confidence and motivation."
Alonso agreed that Sainz should be happy rather than disappointed that he is staying at Toro Rosso.
"I am happy for him," he said at the Red Bull Ring. "Perhaps it is right that he stays another year at this team. Hopefully next year he and the team can make another step forward so let's see.
"I would not pay much attention to rumours about his move to Ferrari," Alonso, who raced for the Italian team for five years, added.
"Between March and July, nearly every single driver is linked with Ferrari."
The 2016 season continues with the Austrian Grand Prix tomorrow.
