Media reports over the weekend that Toro Rosso driver Carlos Sainz is set to move to Renault in 2018, and maybe even before, have further fuelled speculation that the deal is done. The Spaniard's move would be part of a general agreement that will see Honda take their engines to Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso, whose Renault supply would then become available for McLaren. The website also quoted him saying he hoped to be in Malaysia, but the driver later denied that on Twitter. Sainz, Renault and Toro Rosso were saying nothing. Spanish media, focussed mainly on Alonso's future, reported that Honda had informed McLaren they were willing to switch to Toro Rosso and that Alonso was negotiating for a one-year extension.

Source: The Star September 11, 2017 20:15 UTC