Max Verstappen will replace Daniil Kvyat at Red Bull with immediate effect, the team has confirmed.
Red Bull has moved following Kvyat's performance in the Russian Grand Prix, where he ran in to the back of Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari on two occasions, taking the four-time world champion out of the race. The incident also compromised team-mate Daniel Ricciardo's race, leaving Red Bull without points from the fourth round of the season.
With Verstappen a target for Ferrari in the future and Red Bull keen to safeguard the young Dutch driver, it has decided to promote Verstappen immediately, with Kvyat set to race for Toro Rosso in next weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.
“Max has proven to be an outstanding young talent," team principal Christian Horner said. "His performance at Toro Rosso has been impressive so far and we are pleased to give him the opportunity to drive for Red Bull Racing.
“We are in the unique position to have all four drivers across Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso under long term contracts with Red Bull, so we have the flexibility to move them between the two teams.
“Dany will be able to continue his development at Toro Rosso, in a team that he is familiar with, giving him the chance to regain his form and show his potential.”
Kvyat's demotion comes despite the Russian driver scoring a podium at the Chinese Grand Prix one race earlier.
Scene at the Russian Grand Prix
FEATURE: Hamilton, or when a picture is not worth so many words
DRIVER RATINGS: Russian Grand Prix
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
