Daniil Kvyat says he needs a decision on his future “as soon as possible” following suggestions from Red Bull boss Christian Horner they will retain the Toro Rosso driver.
Red Bull, the owners of the Toro Rosso outfit, have yet to take up the option to extend Kvyat’s contract into 2018, but Horner told Sky F1 at the Austrian GP he “could not see any reason why they would want to change him at this point in time”.
Speaking at Silverstone over the weekend, Kvyat thanked Horner for his support but said he would like formal confirmation in the near future.
“I think our common trust is going back to a good level so I don’t see any reason why I wouldn’t want to collaborate,” Kvyat said.
“But I need an answer also, if those are his plans I need an answer as soon as possible because obviously it is getting to the part of the season that you want to know your future.
“It would be great to know as soon as possible but I don’t see any reason why we wouldn’t want to collaborate together. I’m not a guy to give any deadlines, it is in their hands so why would I force it. But they know the better you are settled with your future, the more you can stay focused on your actual job.”
Kvyat is in his third season driving for Toro Rosso, having been relegated from the senior Red Bull team last season following the Russian GP.
“They know everything about me and we already had some talks before, everyone is happy, I am happy with them, I think they’re happy with me so I don’t see any reason why we wouldn’t want to collaborate,” the 23-year-old continued.
“I want to do my job. Red Bull have been taking care of me for the last seven, eight years. Whatever Dr Marko will decide, I will take the answer.
“I don’t see any reason why not to [stay with the Red Bull family]. You have to be patient. I want to give my best to Toro Rosso because I think they deserve more from me.
“I want to give more to this team, because I’m part of this project and I’m part of this car development and I’d like to see what it brings in the future.”
The Russian moved to within three penalty points of a race ban at the British GP after colliding with team-mate Carlos Sainz on the opening lap, a week after receiving two penalty points for hitting Fernando Alonso at the first corner.
