Kvyat still has his chances with Toro Rosso for 2018
Despite being sidelined for the next two races of the season, Daniil Kvyat is still in the running to reclaim his seat in the car this year and even to race next season with Toro Rosso, as confirmed by Franz Tost, the Sporting Director of the Scuderia.
Within the Red Bull family, nothing is done like elsewhere. Daniil Kvyat has experienced this on multiple occasions since the start of his Formula 1 career.
Promoted as Vettel’s replacement to everyone’s surprise at Red Bull in 2015, the Russian was also demoted to Toro Rosso a year and a half later to make way for the prodigy Max Verstappen. This year, it’s Pierre Gasly who he must make room for within the Scuderia so that they can assess the French driver for a potential full-time position next year.
A situation that nonetheless seems logical for Franz Tost, Team Principal: Red Bull decided to race Pierre Gasly to truly assess his performance. After that, we will have a clear picture of what Red Bull might decide for 2018.
According to Tost, Daniil Kvyat would still be in the running to secure a seat for next season: « Everything remains open. And he [Kvyat] is still a Red Bull driver with a valid contract. » confirms the Austrian.
Even Sean Gelael, who has so far participated in two Grand Prix practice sessions, does not appear to be a credible proposition for 2018: « Sean has driven for us on a few occasions. In total, he will complete four FP1 sessions in Singapore, Sepang, Austin, and Mexico. He will also have a day during the tests in Abu Dhabi. But he will certainly participate in the F2 championship next year. We will see about that in 2019. We have no one else available in our young driver program, but we will see… »
Toro Rosso and Red Bull therefore leave doubts about their lineup for the 2018 season. Pierre Gasly seems well on his way to being confirmed, and Daniil Kvyat is now the most credible option to accompany him. But with Red Bull, one must expect anything.
