Max Verstappen was inadvertently crucial in saving Daniil Kvyat from being axed by Toro Rosso it has emerged.
The pair had a tumultuous relationship in 2016 as the Russian become the first driver to be demoted from Red Bull and return to the junior team after a horrific home Grand Prix in Sochi.
Internal politics would also role a play as the Dutchman was the man to make the jump up to the senior outfit but that move was rewarded instantly as Verstappen won his first race with Red Bull in Barcelona.
Much of the season from then on would be difficult for Kvyat as his new teammate Carlos Sainz also benefitted from the change, producing a number of impressive performances.
It seemed all but certain that GP2 champion Pierre Gasly would step up but at the US Grand Prix it was confirmed that the 22-year-old was to remain with the Faenza-based team for 2017.
So why the change in heart? It seems a fierce battle between Kvyat and Verstappen at the Singapore Grand Prix was key to team boss Franz Tost giving the Russian another chance.
“I think that it was generally positive to show that he still has the speed and the car control to fight against Max and also leave him behind,” he was quoted by F1i.com.
“For his self-confidence, it was very important. The big turnaround was done in Singapore where he really showed a good race and qualifying as well.
“And also afterwards he showed good performance. Therefore for me, it was clear that he should continue with us.”
Indeed, while the battle in a strategic sense actually made little sense for Kvyat as Verstappen was out in sync with pit-stops, it was the personal aspect of fighting the man who replaced him that showed how strongly he wanted to stay in F1.
Kvyat would finish the Singapore race in ninth, which was actually a little way off where could have been, but it was still one of only three points results following the Toro Rosso switch.
Tost also admitted a little leeway was shown, given the circumstances Kvyat faced last year. He said the loss in confidence would come “naturally” to any driver in that situation, however, now he expects Kvyat to repay that faith and be back to his best.
“In sports in general, you have ups and downs. But if a driver or a sportsman, in general, shows that he can win races and championships, then you know he has in mind all the ingredients he needs to become successful and to be successful.
“Therefore I’m convinced that Daniil is coming back, that he will become successful and I expect a very strong season from him in 2017.”
