Carlos Sainz has said that he knows 2016 could be a make-or-break season for him in Formula 1.

On the surface, Toro Rosso is fielding arguably its best-ever lineup in the form of Spaniard Sainz and Dutch sensation Max Verstappen, who were both impressive rookies last year.

However, Sainz, 21, says that he knows that is no guarantee of a long career on the grid, acknowledging that he must continue to "impress" his Red Bull paymasters.

"I know what I have to do," he told the Spanish-language sports magazine Revista Elite. "My goal is to end up at Red Bull [Racing]."

"I realise that when you arrive at Toro Rosso, you usually get only two or three years [there]," Sainz added, referring to Red Bull's junior team.

While he needs to impress in 2016, Sainz insists he will not overdrive.

"I will not change my driving style. When I have to attack, I'll be the first to do it, and when you have to bring the car home I will do that as well," he added.

The new season gets underway next weekend with the Australian Grand Prix.