UNITED KINGDOM: Former Formula One driver Daniil Kvyat has opened up about his feelings on being replaced by Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2016, saying it felt like a “stab in the back” from his team.
Red Bull demoted Kvyat back to Toro Rosso just four races into the 2016 season to make way for Verstappen, who went on to become the youngest driver ever to win an F1 race in his debut for the team.
Despite securing a podium finish in his first year with Red Bull, Kvyat’s inconsistent performances eventually led to his replacement.
However, the Russian driver has revealed that it was not the decision itself that hurt him the most, but how Red Bull made it.
In a recent interview, Kvyat said that he felt betrayed at that moment. “It was a stab in the back,” said the Russian. He added, “That’s life; you get stabbed in the back sometimes, you know, it is normal.”
He has put the incident behind him and made a career in other racing formats. Kvyat’s comments highlight the intense pressure and politics surrounding Formula One, where drivers’ careers can hinge on a single race or decision.
While Verstappen’s talent and success with Red Bull have since proved the team’s decision to be a wise one, Kvyat’s experience shows the personal toll that such moves can take on a driver.
Despite his disappointment, Kvyat has since gone on to have a successful career, with podium finishes and impressive performances in other racing series.
His resilience and determination in the face of setbacks testify to his talent and passion for the sport.
As for Verstappen, he has continued to impress in the years since his debut, becoming one of the top drivers in the sport and a serious contender for the championship.
While Kvyat may feel that Red Bull’s treatment is unfair, it’s clear that Red Bull’s decision to bring Verstappen on board has paid off in spades, with the Dutchman winning two consecutive world titles.
In the high-stakes world of Formula One, teams cannot make decisions like this lightly, and while they may sting at the moment, they are often made with the team’s best interests in mind.
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