Kvyat: 'Sainz no friend of mine!'

©ToroRosso

Daniil Kvyat admits he has a friendly relationship with Toro Rosso team mate Carlos Sainz, but the two men are not friends.

Stakes are high at the junior bull outfit with the Russian driver doing his best to warrant his seat in F1 after his demotion from Red to Bull to Toro Rosso last year, and the Spanish charger seeking a spot in atop team next season.

"In fact, Carlos and I were never friends," Kvyat told Russian radio Sport FM.

"We communicate well and treat each other with respect," he said.

'Russia owes me one,' believes Toro Rosso's Sainz

"But on the track we fight to the end. It has not reached a point to be able to say that we have a problem, and I hope this will not happen. But everything is possible.

"Hopefully we will not cross that line," added Kvyat who turns 23-years-old today.

Sainz currently leads Kvyat in the world championship after three rounds, with 10 points against the Russian's tally of 2.

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.