Daniil Kvyat says he is yet to receive a full explanation for his demotion from Red Bull to Toro Rosso ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.
Red Bull announced shortly after the Russian Grand Prix that it would drop Kvyat to its sister squad in favour of Max Verstappen just four races into the new season.
The switch came after Kvyat was involved in a widely publicised clash with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel on the opening lap of the race in Sochi.
Kvyat, who scored a podium finish at the Chinese Grand Prix last month, says he was shocked to receive the news over the phone from Helmut Marko and is still unsure why he has been dropped.
“There was no real explanation,” said Kvyat.
“We had 20 minutes of talking and I wanted to have an explanation. I got to know many interesting details, but I will keep it for myself for now.
“If the bosses want something to happen they just make it happen.
“I feel like I did everything for the team, bringing in the points, doing development work.
“We’ve been working well together, so it’s a question for other people who made the decision and who can give a better answer to that.
“So I really don’t see any reason (for being dropped).”
Kvyat dismissed the idea that he was demoted because he was struggling to cope with the pressure of competing against Daniel Ricciardo.
“The pressure? Talking about pressure, I have been seven years part of Red Bull family and I don’t see it as a big problem,” added Kvyat.
“Other people around me also had pressure. I don’t think it can be an explanation, to be honest.”
Disappointed to lose his Red Bull drive, the 22-year-old says he is fired up to perform on the track for Toro Rosso this weekend.
Kvyat made his Formula 1 debut with Toro Rosso in 2014 after claiming the 2013 GP3 title.
“I like this team (Toro Rosso) a lot. I got a very warm welcome,” added Kvyat.
“I can feel the atmosphere is very positive in the team and the goals are clear for the team and myself: I will be pushing to the absolute limits on the track and will be giving my answers there.”
Meanwhile, Vettel, who was the innocent victim in the clash with Kvyat in Russia, believes his demotion had already been agreed before the race.
“I don’t think it has anything to do with what happened in Sochi as I learned it had been decided beforehand,” Vettel told reporters.
“It’s a great chance for Max, not a nice call for Daniil.”
Opening practice for the Spanish Grand Prix is scheduled to begin today at 1800 AEST.
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