James Key extends stay as Toro Rosso F1 team's technical director

The 45-year-old joined Red Bull's junior outfit from Sauber in 2012 and has since led Toro Rosso's technical department.

Key has also played an important role in boosting Toro Rosso's technical staff with new hirings.

The team announced on Tuesday that Key had extended his contract, although the length of the new deal was not revealed.

"I'm delighted to continue with Toro Rosso and remain part of the Red Bull family," Key said.

"This is a team which I have great respect for and have thoroughly enjoyed working with for the past five years; now I look forwards to continuing our project into the future.

"I would like to thank Franz Tost and Red Bull for their continued support and confidence.

"We have more work to do, and I look forwards to taking the next steps with Toro Rosso towards our goals."

Key joined the Jordan F1 team in 1998 and stayed with the outfit during its phases as MF1 Racing, Spyker and Force India, before joining Sauber in 2010.

He left the Swiss squad in February of 2012 to join Toro Rosso in September that year.

"Formula 1 is a team sport, but one in which an individual can still make a difference," team boss Franz Tost said.

"So far, in his time with us, James has proved that he can indeed make that difference, leading the technical side of the operation.

"Not only has he been adept at producing chassis-aero packages that are well regarded throughout the paddock, he has also shown the management skills necessary to get the most out of all the various departments that work together both here in Faenza and in Bicester.

"I'm therefore delighted that James will be with us for the foreseeable future to continue this fruitful process."