Daniil Kvyat on Toro Rosso's 2019 shortlist
- Published on 31 Aug 2018 13:58
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Daniil Kvyat could make a shock return to Formula 1 in 2019 after Red Bull team principal Christian Horner confirmed that the Russian was on Toro Rosso's shortlist of potential drivers.
The Red Bull junior squad is searching for Pierre Gasly's replacement, as the Frenchman will be promoted to the senior team next year. He is taking the seat of Daniel Ricciardo, who is joining Renault in search of a new challenge.
Kvyat joined the grid with Toro Rosso in 2014, before gaining promotion to Red Bull for the 2015 season. After just four races into the 2016 season, Kvyat was demoted back down to Toro Rosso, while Max Verstappen replaced him.
Kvyat remained at Toro Roso until he was replaced by Gasly for the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix, before making a one-off appearance in the USA a couple of races later, stepping in for Renault-bound Carlos Sainz.
“There’s always rumours this time of year, Monza being a hotbed of that,” Horner told Sky F1. “I think the situation with Toro Rosso is pretty open so I think everything is being considered. He’s one of several drivers who are on the list.”
After being dropped from the Red Bull programme entirely, Kvyat picked up a role with Ferrari as a simulator driver. However, he could be making an unexpected return as Red Bull is forced to look outside its junior pool for the best option to replace Gasly.
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Replies (7)
Login to replysiggy74
Posts: 194
Why ow why, would he even attempt to come back for a good bottom of the shoe treatment from marko ;p
michielhimself
Posts: 132
Because driving races in F1 is better than not driving races in F1?
cricho
Posts: 80
I think some drivers still have something called dignity. Hope he doesn't go back to RB. They treated him Like a piece of crap...
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
IMO, Kvyat is a better driver than Brandon. So, why not!
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Funny how Red Bull always talks up their 'deep bench' when it comes to replacement drivers and their junior program. Yet... who have they looked for when replacing drivers? Brendon Hartley, Fernando Alonso, Jean-Eric Vergne, and now Dani Kvyat. None of which are RB drivers.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
We dont really know if they ever did consider Alonso though. Just like we dont know if Renault really did consider him either, or any of the other teams Alonso claim considered him.
Kean
Posts: 692
Seems like getting a Red Bull driver or a former Red Bull driver has a higher priority than getting the best driver availible. Surely they could get Russell, Norris, Giovinazzi etc as long as they agreed terms with Mercedes, McLaren or Ferrari. Why are they recycling their former rejects? Why this obligatory recruiting from within? It has to be pride