Marko: Kvyat's seat at Toro Rosso for 2020 'confirmed internally'

Any hopes Daniil Kvyat had of stepping back up to Red Bull Racing in 2020 were permanently squashed by Helmut Marko in Singapore.

Red Bull is currently evaluating Alex Albon who was promoted to the Milton Keynes-based outfit after the summer break following Pierre Gasly's disappointing performances.

Marko has made clear that the choice of who will race alongside Max Verstappen in 2020 will be limited to Albon and Gasly.

Verstappen 'surprised' by Red Bull's lack of pace

"We will make our evaluation after Mexico," Marko told Sky F1 in Singapore.

"Also Kvyat is confirmed for next year already, or at least internally it’s clear. Then it’s between Gasly and Albon."

Marko said the main condition for Albon to secure his future with Red Bull will be his ability to challenge Verstappen as the pressure only spurs on the Dutchman.

©RedBull

"I think he [Verstappen] needs a teammate who is very near to him and I think we found it in Albon,” said the Austrian.

"So far he's doing well and he's steadily improving.

"Don't forget he had never been here before and he's by far the quickest of the rookies on this circuit. But for the team you need a strong teammate as well for the championship."

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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.