Kvyat set to be dropped by Red Bull

Daniil Kvyat may be about to jump from the frying pan into the fire if there is any truth in the rumors that he is about to be axed from Red Bull's stable of drivers.

Russian news agency Izvestia is making the claim, citing a source close to the energy drinks company.

"Red Bull had hoped the return to Toro Rosso would embolden Kvyat, relieving the pressure on him," according to the source.

"It was expected that he would score points regularly and become an example for (Carlos) Sainz. But in the last seven races, Daniil appeared very uneasy against his teammate, and the most recent setbacks seem to have finally convinced Helmut Marko to not renew the contract."

Kvyat started his season in a combative mode at Red Bull Racing, even edging out his team mate and achieving a podium finish in China.

But Red Bull manager Helmut Marko decided however to demote the Russian to its junior outfit, switching Kvyat with Max Verstappen at Toro Rosso from the Spanish Grand Prix.

Since, the 22-year-old has scored but two points in seven races and has been very much outpaced and outraced by the man on the other side of the garage, Carlos Sainz.

Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost expressed his support for Kvyat recently, saying that he would not be against retaining the services of the driver.

Should Red Bull fail to renew Kvyat's contract, the first in line to be considered as his most probable replacement would be 20-year-old Frenchman and Red Bull test driver Pierre Gasly.

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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.