Kvyat Believes Marko’s Pride Might Be in Between Him and a Red Bull Return

Red Bull has seen a vast number of drivers over their 15-year history. One of those drivers is Daniil Kvyat, who joined them in 2015. Although his Red Bull career was relatively short, he’s raced for both their teams: Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri).

While he’s a reserve driver for Alpine F1 this season, Kvyat will always be a part of Red Bull history. Ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the Russian stated why Red Bull advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko, wouldn’t give him the callback, and his current role in Alpine F1.

Daniil Kvyat reveals why Marko won’t call him back to Red Bull

Kvyat has raced six full seasons in his F1 career. Across those six seasons, the Russian has three podiums to his name, including one at the chaotic, rain-hit 2019 German Grand Prix.

Kvyat got the call up to Red Bull to partner Daniel Ricciardo for the 2015 season. Despite getting the Red Bull seat for the 2016 season, the team switched him mid-season with Max Verstappen after a disastrous Russian Grand Prix.

The Russian returned with Toro Rosso in 2019 after leaving them in 2017. After two seasons with them, Japanese upstart Yuki Tsunoda replaced him for the 2021 season.

This season, Kvyat is a reserve driver for Alpine F1. Appearing on the F1 Nation podcast, the Russian believes Marko wouldn’t call him back to Red Bull because of his own pride. He said, “I think this time, the pride might be in the way, because already last time it was a bit like admitting the mistake.”

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Kvyat happy with his work in Alpine this season

Although he’s not a full-time driver this season, Kvyat admits to being happy with his role in Alpine. He also believes the team have a lot of potential for the future.

“I’m enjoying my work in Alpine right now,” said Kvyat. “I’m giving my best with the team that I’m with and right now I’m focused on that.

“I think this team has a huge potential for the future. So right now, it would be only fair to say that I give my best to Alpine in whatever role I’m in.”

With the silly season in the driver’s market already underway, Kvyat will hope to secure a full-time seat next season. At just 27 years of age, the Russian has enough years left to make an impact in F1. Furthermore, his ties to Red Bull may put him in contention for 2022 should they go in that direction. Can the talented Russian secure a seat in 2022?

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