Jean-Eric Vergne has claimed that he can play a vital role as mentor to Max Verstappen at Toro Rosso next season.
The Frenchman's future is currently undecided following the news that Daniil Kvyat would leave the team to join its affiliate Red Bull as the replacement for Ferrari-bound Sebastian Vettel.
However, Vergne believes that he is the perfect candidate to help 17-year-old Verstappen in the early stages of his Formula 1 career.
"There are a lot of benefits [to keeping me]," Vergne told reporters. "[Red Bull] see Max as a great talent and I think he can learn from me like Dani did this year.
"I think it's a win-win for everybody.
"To be fair everything is pretty open for next year and I cannot say really what is going on, but all I can say is I wish to continue with this team and we will see what happens in the next few days and weeks."
Vergne has picked up 21 points for Toro Rosso this season.
Callum Mulvihill
