Daniil Kvyat has No Hard Feelings with Red Bull over Snub

Russian driver Daniil Kvyat would have been primed for a return to Red Bull, but was overlooked for his teammate Alexander Albon. However, he “respectfully” accepted Red Bull’s decision to choose Albon for the second race seat at the senior team.

Many expected the Russian to have a leg in the door, especially considering his unexpected podium in Germany. This was a surefire sign that he is well on his way to resurrecting his career.

But now Red Bull opted to promote his teammate Alex Albon to replace the struggling Pierre Gasly. However, Daniil Kvyat bears no ill will towards his former team.

“I found out everything in the same day,” Kvyat told Russia’s Championat. “I had a phone call from Dr Marko. It is important to respectfully accept such decisions.

“I think they just want to see how Albon performs in a car that is able to win with a teammate like Verstappen. I’ve already been at Red Bull and I think that played a role in the decision.”

“So far it’s been one short conversation.”

Daniil Kvyat is familiar with the machinations of Helmut Marko and Red Bull, so he is not over-analysing the situation.

“Everything is fine with my results,” he said. “And everything that will happen after 2019 is still unclear.

“I think we need to wait another two or three weeks, and then it will become clearer.”

Speaking to Russia’s Sportbox, Kvyat amitted that Albon has banged in some eyebrow-raising performances. In fact, some claimed that he admitted that Albon is arguably a tougher teammate than most of his previous teammates, even Daniel Ricciardo. However, Kvyat clarified his stance immediately.

“I didn’t say someone was better than someone else,” he clarified. “It is you drawing those conclusions. But Alex was fast right away.

“Many other drivers need time to adapt, but not him. There is still a lot of room for growth and how he uses that potential depends on the driver himself.”

“I did not expect anything, I am focused on my own work.”

“Both Red Bull and I are pleased with the season and we will continue in the same spirit, not focusing on decisions that are not mine to take.”