Horner: Kvyat "couldn't get his head around" 2016 Red Bull dropping

Christian Horner confirms he is pleased to see Daniil Kvyat back on the grid for the 2018 season. Horner feels like the Russian is now in a better place than he was in 2016 when Red Bull ditched him for Max Verstappen.

The 2013 GP3 champion has spent a year out of F1 following his dismal from Toro Rosso at the end of 2016. His signing last week was actually the third time he has put pen to paper for Toro Rosso. Horner believes it's a good thing for the 24-year-old.

"It's a good thing for Dany," Horner told Sky Sports F1.

"I spent some time with him over the summer. He's in a good space, and I think he's had time to go away from Formula 1, from the limelight of Formula 1 and reflect.

"It was a big thing for him in 2016 when he got effectively dropped from the senior team to the junior team, and I don't think he ever got his head fully around that."

He has already started 72 Grands Prix picking up a total of 133 championship points. Add a couple of podiums and a fastest lap to the list, and you'd think expectations should lie high. Horner insists that his time away will come to his aid.

“I think actually a bit of time away, a bit of reflection… he's got the speed. He's won championships for us in GP3. 2015, he had some very good races," added Horner.

“I think he deserves a second chance, and it'll be interesting to see what he can do."