Daniil Kvyat has been confirmed as part of the Toro Rosso driver line up for the 2017 Formula 1 Season, meaning that he will partner Carlos Sainz Jr for a second year in succession at the Red Bull junior team.
Kvyat made his debut for Toro Rosso in the 2014 Formula 1 Season where he partnered Jean Eric Vergne. After the departure of Sebastian Vettel from Red Bull Racing to Ferrari, Kvyat made his debut for the Austrian team. After the 2015 Season marked an uncompetitive year for Red Bull, Kvyat remained at the team for 2016.
After four races for Red Bull in 2016, Kvyat was then demoted back down to Toro Rosso after failing to impress during his time Red Bull, being replaced by Max Verstappen. Kvyat has since remained at Toro Rosso, where he has had an uncompetitive season, questioning his place in Formula 1 entirely.
Just over one week ago, it was announced that Nico Hulkenberg would join the Renault F1 Team for 2017, leaving a vacant seat at Force India. Earlier this week, Force India confirmed that Daniil Kvyat was one of the drivers on their list for a place at the team next season, as well as Jolyon Palmer, and Esteban Ocon.
When asked about staying at Toro Rosso for 2017, Daniil Kvyat stated:
“I’m very happy to stay with a team that feels like home to me. I’m really looking forward to continuing the hard work together in 2017 and I’m really aiming high. I will always be fully dedicated, giving my ‘200 percent’, and I will be pushing as hard as I usually do, that’s for sure. I’m delighted!”
With Kvyat being confirmed at Toro Rosso for 2017, one driver who will be disappointed will be Pierre Gasly. Gasly currently races in the GP2 Series for Prema Racing, and is one of three drivers who could win the championship in the final round of the 2016 Season at Abu Dhabi. Gasly was very much at the forefront for the final seat at Toro Rosso for 2017, however, with this seat being claimed by Kvyat, one can only wonder where the Red Bull Junior Driver’s Formula 1 hopes lie for the future.
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