Horner explains Red Bull decision to release Kvyat

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Christian Horner justified Red Bull's decision to part ways with Dany Kvyat, insisting the time was right for both parties to move on.

The Russian driver started his F1 career with Toro Rosso in 2014 and was subsequently promoted to Red Bull's senior squad the following year.

While fast, Kvyat displayed a lack of consistency and a tendency to get himself in trouble on the race track, which prompted his demotion back to Toro Rosso as Max Verstappen was promoted to Red Bull Racing in early 2016.

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Thereafter, Kvyat simply didn't perform according to Red Bull's expectations says Horner.

"Dany Kvyat has obviously had a large investment from Red Bull over the years," said the Red Bull team boss at the Mexican GP.

"He had the opportunity to step into Red Bull Racing and compete in the 2015 season and the start of the 2016 season with the team.

"Formula 1 is a tough business and unfortunately Dany didn't do enough, in our opinion, to warrant retaining that seat.

"But we still believed in him and he was given a second opportunity, which is very unusual in Formula 1, to retake the seat with Toro Rosso.

"And then from there we obviously have other juniors that we have invested in that are knocking on the door of Formula 1."

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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.