Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost is certain Daniil Kvyat will succeed at Red Bull.
Kvyat was originally confirmed to remain with the junior team this year. But he was fast-tracked to a promotion to the senior team after Sebastian Vettel announced his surprising departure from the former world champions.
Kvyat’s former team boss Tost admitted that he didn’t expect the Russian to make the step up to Red Bull after just one year in Formula 1, although was always sure his move would happen given his success in junior formulas and his performance in his rookie year.
“I was not surprised [by his debut season]. I expected this. That’s the reason why we took him,” Tost told AUTOSPORT and added that “he will do a good job at Red Bull Racing.”
“It was not planned that he goes there after one year. It was planned that he stays with us at least two years. But that’s the situation and with his talent and working attitude he will do a good job with Red Bull Racing, as he did with us.”
“No one expected that after winning the GP3 title he would come into Formula 1 and score points in the first race.
“He will put on the same good performance at Red Bull Racing.”
Tost believes Kvyat has it in him to follow in the footsteps of fellow Red Bull graduate Daniel Ricciardo and become a race winner. He also said that the performance of the RB11 this year will be important when asked if Red Bull were taking a risk with promoting Kvyat.
“It depends on how competitive the complete package will be.” he replied
“Normally if it’s a car that is very, very good that helps a lot.”
“And if the power unit is also competitive then he will be in front and he will fight for victories.”
