Driver changes always part of Red Bull philosophy - Coulthard

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David Coulthard believes Red Bull's brutal demotion of Daniil Kvyat and subsequent advancement of Max Verstappen is in line with the Austrian company's philosophy.

Having raced under the Red Bull banner for four years from 2005 to 2008, the Scot experienced first hand Helmut Marko's decision making and process.

"Actually, all the Red Bull and Toro Rosso drivers have contracts with the same employer, " Coulthard said to Russia's Sportbox.

"If you recall, when I started to drive for the team in 2005, at the wheel of the second car they constantly changed between Tonio Liuzzi and Christian Klien.

"So this has always been part of the Red Bull philosophy. It's a company that likes to promote its young talent."

With regard to Max Verstappen moving up to the senior bull outfit, Coulthard had no doubts the young Dutch prodigy is ready.

"Max Verstappen is ready for this chance. He's got the speed, he's got the intelligence. "I actually think Carlos Sainz is ready as well, but you can't put two drivers in one car.

"It's a great opportunity for Max but it doesn't mean Carlos will not get a chance later this year."

The 13-time Grand Prix winner and Channel 4 consultant concluded by saying that regardless of his perceived downgrade, Kvyat still retains a competitive drive from which he may still bounce back.

"This doesn't mean Daniil can't come back. Things can change quickly.

"You can understand how disappointed he must be right now, but the most important thing for him is that he is still in F1 and the Red Bull family."

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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.