Max Verstappen steps in for Daniil Kvyat at Red Bull Racing in the 2016 Formula 1 season following a string of incidents and subpar performances. Kvyat's dismissal from the team stemmed primarily from a controversial collision with Sebastian Vettel at the Russian Grand Prix, which added fuel to the fire[1][3]. Moreover, Kvyat's performance was marred by an array of technical problems and driving mistakes, resulting in a prolonged stretch of unsatisfactory results[3]. Consequently, Red Bull opted to bring in the young, talented Verstappen at the Spanish Grand Prix[1][3].
As for Kvyat, he is demoted to the sister team Toro Rosso, where he hopes to turn things around and demonstrate his true potential[1][3]. Team chief Christian Horner expressed confidence in Kvyat's ability to recover and grow within Toro Rosso, a team with which he is already familiar[1].
During the Chinese Grand Prix, a heated confrontation between Kvyat and Vettel resulted in a collision between Vettel and his Ferrari teammate Kimi Räikkönen[2]. The incident sparked outrage and led to a fiery monologue filled with curse words on Vettel's team radio[2].
At the Russian home race, Kvyat collided with Vettel's car in the opening turns twice, prompting an angry response from Vettel[2].
Nonetheless, Christian Horner embraced the opportunity to offer Verstappen, who became the youngest driver in F1 history in 2015, a chance to drive for Red Bull Racing[1]. Verstappen had already distinguished himself with impressive performances while driving for Toro Rosso[1].
Kvyat currently sits in eighth place in the driver standings with 21 points, but he is 15 points and four positions behind teammate Daniel Ricciardo[1]. Despite his underwhelming performance, Kvyat secured the only podium finish for Red Bull in this season after finishing third at the Chinese Grand Prix[1].
Kvyat will now join Carlos Sainz at Toro Rosso starting from the next race.
