Official: Kvyat confirmed at Toro Rosso for 2017

The future of Daniil Kvyat in F1 and with Toro Rosso seemed uncertain since his return to Red Bull’s B team following the Russian Grand Prix. However, the 22-year-old driver will indeed be present in the Italian team next season, as confirmed by the team’s management. He will continue to team up with Carlos Sainz, who was confirmed in this position several weeks ago.

Consequently, this officialization puts an end to many speculations that had Kvyat going to Force India or even Renault.

On the French side, it’s obviously a hard blow for Pierre Gasly. Currently second in the GP2 standings before the final race of the season (scheduled in Abu Dhabi), the Norman was strongly expected to take the second Toro Rosso seat for the next season.

Author of two podiums (in Budapest in 2015 and in Shanghai this year), the main party took the time to respond to this announcement, just before the start of FP3:

I would like to thank Red Bull, Dr. Helmut Marko, and the entire team for their support since I returned to Toro Rosso earlier this year.

« I am very happy to stay with a team where I feel at home.

I will always be fully focused to give 200%: I will push as hard as I usually do!

Toro Rosso team principal, Franz Tost, is pleased to continue counting on Daniil Kvyat for another season. A year where stability may be a significant advantage against the numerous changes facing F1.

There will be so many new elements, for Formula 1 in general, but also specifically within our team. Notably in terms of engine supplier change. Thus, having the same two drivers will give us stability and a point of reference to work with. We now have a very talented combination to tackle a season in which we expect to be very competitive.

According to Tost, Kvyat has supposedly proven with his latest performances that he deserved his place.

« In the last races, it has been clear that Daniil is back in full form. I have always told him that his future with us was in his hands; he has stepped up his level and delivered the kind of performances that secured his seat for 2017. »

Obviously, this decision will undoubtedly be commented on in the coming days. While many indications pointed toward a replacement of Kvyat with Pierre Gasly, Helmut Marko took everyone by surprise by making such a decision, which comes completely unexpectedly. Indeed, the young French driver seemed to be evaluated based on the outcome of the final of his current season in the GP2 Series in Abu Dhabi, a race that will only take place in a month…

In any case, there is no doubt that this extension will be commented on and analyzed in the coming days. Feel free to react to this hot topic, dear readers!