Daniil Kvyat has responded to "strange" rumours that he might need to take a step back to Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso next year. The 22-year-old Russian was declared the official 'driver of the day' in China two weeks ago, after his run to the podium and spirited pre-podium spat with Sebastian Vettel.
At the same time, it is rumoured that in order to keep Max Verstappen under contract next year, Red Bull needs to promote him from Toro Rosso to the senior team. When asked about speculation it will be him who steps aside, Kvyat said on Thursday: "I think these rumours are very strange. Toro Rosso was a great school for me, but I think I passed it already with good grades," he is quoted by Russia's Championat.
Kvyat said he is therefore not worried about his future in F1. "For my contract next year, I think the faster you go, the more opportunities you will have. So I think I will not have problems if I continue in the same way." (GMM)
Replies (5)
Login to replyVet5
Posts: 225
I haven't heard these rumours, has anybody else? I think he is safe where he is just now, Kvyat is a good driver, and I think he is better than Verstappen.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I have, these rumours arose last week after a statement made by Horner and Marko. Of course, could be just another blunder by Red Bull, but it did definitely sound like they want to switch Verstappen and Kvyat. He is definitely a more stable driver. I think Verstappen is a bit overrated at the moment, he is good but just not top team material yet. One or two more years and then we'll talk.
World Traveller
Posts: 688
Sorry but Verstappen is (already) a better driver than Kvyat.
Together with Ricciardo it will be the dream team for RB next year!
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
Not surprising, the boy with a golden spoon in his mouth Max will be promoted to RB next year. Kvyat while an a-hole on track is the sensible choice as a number 2 but that wont stop management from trying to cash in on the Max hype train.
khasmir
Posts: 893
It's no rumor that RB will have to promote Max or he will be gone to another top team when there is a seat available. Jos has been quite clear about that several times there is a clause in his contract for that. Of course, first there needs to be a seat available.
And whatever happens, I don't see either Kvyat or Ricciardo going back to TR, they have other new talents they want to bring forward.