As the most senior driver on the Red Bull junior programme, reigning GP2 champion Gasly remains the most likely alternative for Toro Rosso should it part with either Sainz or Kvyat for 2018.

Sainz caused a stir during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend when he suggested he was unlikely to remain at the Faenza-based squad for a fourth successive season, a suggestion that was quickly refuted by Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.

However, Horner went on to say a week later at Silverstone that offers for the Spaniard's services would be considered.

Sainz has been linked with a future move to Renault, with the French car manufacturer thought to be weighing up a list of contenders - including Robert Kubica - for 2018.

Asked about the speculation surrounding Sainz, Gasly said any possible move could only play into his hands, even if he conceded it would still take time for the exact picture to become clear.

"The only thing I want is to be in F1, and if things like this [Sainz leaving] are happening, it can only be a good thing because it means there is a seat in Toro Rosso," Gasly told Motorsport.com.

"But we still don't know exactly what is happening, and we'll have more answers in the next few weeks. At the moment the only thing I can do is to push for things for happen.

"Red Bull knows I want to make it to F1, and they've been supporting me for the last four years, but F1 is quite a difficult world; it's not all about performance. Politics and finances can play a part unfortunately and you just have to wait for the right time for your opportunity.

"For reasons out of my control we couldn't make it happen for 2017. Hopefully we can for 2018."

Test chance

Gasly, whose main racing programme is in Super Formula this season, will get his second run in a 2017 F1 car next week in post-race testing at the Hungaroring, sharing Red Bull test duties with race driver Max Verstappen.

While the Frenchman's capabilities are well known to the team, he still believes the test offers one final chance to prove he is "fully ready" to make the graduation to a full-time drive.

"I've been with Red Bull for a couple of years, and every time testing has gone really well, in the simulator also they can compare me to Daniel [Ricciardo] and Max and when you test you compare," added Gasly.

"They know my speed, they know me as a driver, they watched me last year in GP2. But every test is still a good opportunity to show what you can do and show your potential.

"I don't think it will be 'yes or no' for my future, but everything you can do to impress them is good, and this is a chance to show them I am fully ready to make the move."

Formula E showing a one-off

Gasly also made his Formula E debut earlier this month, standing in for absent Renault e.dams driver Sebastien Buemi in the New York double-header and scoring a pair of points finishes.

But the reigning GP2 champion made it clear he wasn't interested in any further Formula E outings while his focus remains on securing a seat in F1.

"At the moment, it was really just a one-off race to replace Sebastien," he said of his New York appearance. "Now the target is still F1, it's the only thing I want and my only motivation.

"I will have time to think about different series in the future; I'm still 21 and the only thing I think about every day is F1. At the moment I am still waiting for my chance."