Daniil Kvyat Has Been Replaced By Max Verstappen At Red Bull Racing

Just a few weeks ago, Daniil Kvyat was standing on the podium after finishing third at the Chinese Grand Prix. But things didn’t quite go so well in Russia last weekend and now he’s found himself back in a Toro Rosso seat.

Kvyat hit Sebastian Vettel twice on the opening lap of the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi and the collisions also had a big impact on team-mate Daniel Ricciardo’s race, causing Red Bull to lose vital points in the championship.

Despite his good form at the previous few races, Red Bull has taken the brutal decision of demoting him back to Toro Rosso, the team he made his F1 debut with in 2014. He will be replaced at the top team by Max Verstappen.

The Dutchman has proved to be one of F1’s hottest rising stars, after a thrilling first year in 2015 with Toro Rosso and a feisty start to this season. With Ferrari and Mercedes potentially being interested in snatching Verstappen, Red Bull has opted to promote him to a top drive.

Christian Horner explained in a statement that all four drivers at the two teams are on long-term Red Bull contracts and can be changed around without issue. The driver switch comes into force with immediate effect, with Verstappen debuting as a Red Bull driver in Spain.

Horner said:

“Max has proven to be an outstanding young talent. His performance at Toro Rosso has been impressive so far and we are pleased to give him the opportunity to drive for Red Bull Racing. We are in the unique position to have all four drivers across Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso under long term contracts with Red Bull, so we have the flexibility to move them between the two teams. Dany will be able to continue his development at Toro Rosso, in a team that he is familiar with, giving him the chance to regain his form and show his potential.”

What do you think? Too harsh? Deserved? Is Max ready for Red Bull? Let us know below!