Key has been linked with several teams including Ferrari on the back of the promise that his Toro Rosso chassis designs have shown in recent years.

Although the team is well aware that other outfits are interested in luring Key away, Tost says that following talks with his technical boss there is no reason to be worried that the Briton wants to leave.

"Of course we have discussed this, but James has a contract with Toro Rosso," Tost told Motorsport.com.

"James is an honest person and a gentleman. I expect that he respects his contract. He has also good working conditions and has a good team around him. Therefore I hope that he will stay with us."

Tost knows that there would be grounds for Key to seriously consider an offer from a big team like Ferrari, but he believes working for an outfit like Toro Rosso has its own unique benefits.

When asked if Key could find the same level of job satisfaction elsewhere, Tost said: "It depends on the environment.

"I personally think that currently the environment on the technical side of Toro Rosso is positive. The working conditions are good. The rest we will see then next year with what's going on with the chassis and the Renault power unit."