Horner: Kvyat didn’t get over Red Bull demotion in ’16

Christian Horner is pleased to see Daniil Kvyat get another chance in Formula 1 with Toro Rosso in 2019, believing the Russian never got his head around his demotion from Red Bull’s senior team in 2016 during his first stint on the grid.

Toro Rosso confirmed on Saturday that Kvyat would be returning to the team for the 2019 season, replacing the Red Bull-bound Pierre Gasly.

Kvyat last appeared for Toro Rosso at last year’s United States Grand Prix before being dropped for a second time, having joined the team four races into the 2016 season when he was demoted from Red Bull to make room for Max Verstappen.

Horner was glad for Kvyat’s return to F1, but said he believes the 2013 GP3 champion did not get over the impact of being dropped from Red Bull to Toro Rosso.

“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.

“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.

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