Verstappen set to replace Kvyat in Spain

It looks like Daniil Kvyat may live to regret his home Grand Prix in Sochi last Sunday and the first lap double-whammy incident which put Sebastian Vettel out of the race and compromised his and team mate Daniel Ricciardo's afternoon of racing.

Rumors are abounding that Red Bull has taken the decision to promote junior bull Max Verstappen to the senior outfit - anticipating a move contractually scheduled for 2017 - and demoting Kvyat back to Toro Rosso.

Kvyat's antics evidently put the Russian in the dog house, and at odds with Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko who has never been one to hesitate to cut in the deep if a driver steps out of line.

Unfortunately for Kvyat, last Sunday's incident with Vettel was the second on-track encounter in succession with the Ferrari driver, the two men having clashed in China previously.

But while the Red Bull driver's maneuver in Shanghai, which Vettel disapproved, was perfectly legitimate, his Sochi mishap was unanimously condemned.

In the aftermath of the race, Marko agreed Kvyat was entirely to blame and said he would speak with the 22-year-old.

"Let's cool down a bit," he said. "During the week, we will talk about this."

Whether this discussion took place Wednesday in Milton Keynes and resulted in Verstappen's promotion, or whether Red Bull has condemned Kvyat without trial remains unclear.

Max Verstappen's hugely impressive Formula 1 debut last year put the Dutch prodigy in the limelight, but also on many teams shortlist.

His contractual arrangements with Red Bull however apparently stipulate he be given a race seat with the senior outfit in 2017 or made free to sign with another team. Obviously, Red Bull is keen on keeping its great talent within its own stable.

Kvyat's hardship may well become young Max's good luck.

Scene at the Russian Grand Prix