Former Red Bull driver in line for F1 return

Former Red Bull and Toro Rosso driver, Daniil Kvyat, could be in line for a shock return to the latter in 2019, as they consider their options to replace outgoing Pierre Gasly.

Gasly has been promoted to the Red Bull team for 2019 to replace Daniel Ricciardo, who is moving to Renault. That has left Toro Rosso in a conundrum as junior driver, Dan Ticktum, does not have enough points to get a super-license yet.

Kvyat was sacked by Toro Rosso late last year after underwhelming performances throughout the season. He was hired by Ferrari as a development driver but the Russian is said to be looking for a way back in F1.

Toro Rosso could offer him just that as Ferrari boss, Maurizio Arrivabene, has seemingly spoken to his Toro Rosso counterpart, Franz Tost.

“There are different names which are being discussed but up to now no decision has been made,“Tost had told Autosport.com last week.

“So therefore we just wait and Red Bull will announce it.”

The discussions between Ferrari and Toro Rosso were thought to be for another development driver, Antonio Giovinazzi, but his chances of an F1 debut rank higher with the Ferrari-powered Sauber, for whom he has tested.

This dilemma had earlier led Toro Rosso to consider hiring drivers from McLaren, as junior Lando Norris looks for some F1 experience. Current driver, Stoffel Vandoorne, also looks to be out of a seat next year and was being considered.

However, Kvyat will offer a more traditional option as he has raced with them before. If he does make it back, it will be his third stint at Toro Rosso after 2014 and 2016.

2014 was his rookie year post which he was promoted to Red Bull to replace Vettel in 2015. After some high-profile crashes, he was replaced by Max Verstappen before finally being let go last year when he failed to justify his seat.

It will not be the first time that a Red Bull driver will make a comeback to F1. Brendon Hartley, who currently drivers for Toro Rosso, was once part of their academy before being let go in 2007.

He succeeded in endurance racing, winning the coveted 24 Hours of Le Mans, before Red Bull decided to get him back with Toro Rosso last year. Kvyat will be hoping to ride his luck and try the same route for re-starting his F1 career.