Carlos Sainz Jr insists he is “happy” to remain with Toro Rosso despite speculation linking him with a move away from the Red Bull-owned team.

The Spaniard has enjoyed a relatively successful start to the 2017 season, claiming three points finishes in his four races to date, including a seventh-place showing at last month’s Chinese Grand Prix.

The 22-year-old is currently ninth in the Drivers’ Championship and has collected nine more points than team-mate Daniil Kvyat already this year.

Sainz’s form has not gone unnoticed by Toro Rosso’s rival teams, with Renault the latest name to be linked with a move for the Madrid native.

The youngster, who is only competing in his third Formula One season, admits he is flattered by the reported interest in him, but is happy to remain with Toro Rosso, particularly as he enjoys a strong working relationship with technical director James Key.

When asked if he feels restricted at Toro Rosso, Sainz told El Confidencial: “No. I think I’m in a place where people notice me and I’m flattered that there are those who think I should have a car fighting for victories and more.

“But I don’t think my car is not worthy of me. Toro Rosso is a very serious team that slowly shows that it can do things very well with a strong technical team. “Many big teams would want to have James Key.

We have our budget, it’s not the highest but we still get things done. Today, I am happy where I am.”