Leaving AlphaTauri driver: 'New opportunity at top team would be different story'

After one season at Toro Rosso, Daniil Kvyat was transferred directly to Red Bull Racing in 2014. He only lasted a little longer than a year there. According to Kvyat, this was mainly because everything went so fast and he was actually quite inexperienced as a result. If he now had another chance with top teams like Red Bull, it would be a 'different story'.

"Ideally, 2022 would be the logical year to come back, because there are new rules and teams need experience", says Kvyat in conversation with Autosport.com. The Russian driver suspects that people from the outside might underestimate the bit of experience. "I can assure you that experience is actually quite important, especially when new regulations come in to play."

Next year, the 26-year old driver will certainly not be to be admired in the pinnacle of motorsport. However, he is aiming for yet another return. "I will be doing my best to come back because I feel like I have a lot to give to the sport."

Kvyat returned to Toro Rosso in 2016 because of 'the pressure he couldn't cope with'. In 2017 he was replaced by Pierre Gasly from the Malaysian Grand Prix onwards. In the United States, he replaced Carlos Sainz, who moved to Renault in the meantime. A week later in Mexico, Brendon Hartley replaces Kvyat.

New chance in F1?

Kvyat's performance wasn't good enough to compete for the Faenza-based race team in 2021. According to Kvyat, it's unfortunate timing since he really feels ready for it now. "I'm a lot more complete only in these last two years in Formula 1, and only now I feel like I'm ready to drive always at a high level. And also, if the opportunity would come with a top team now, it would be a different story."