Kvyat: 'I'll be happy when it's over'

Daniil Kvyat admitted that his 2016 season has been one of disruption and survival, which he will be more than happy to put behind him.

The Russian driver's campaign erupted in convulsions when he was suddenly demoted to Toro Rosso from Red Bull after just four races, swapping seats with F1's rising prodigy Max Verstappen.

Forced to rebuild his psyche from the lowest level, Kvyat also had to contend with racing alongside Carlos Sainz, another talented young bull, and the uncertainty awaiting his future as a Grand Prix driver.

The recent extension of his Toro Rosso contract has obviously appeased the Russian, but it isn't about to forget this year's trying experience and the lessons he collected along the way.

"Yeah, it wasn't an easy one, it turned out to be a surviving year in the end," he explained.

" In the beginning I had big plans, then it turned out to be a survival season. Now it seems like I managed just to put myself in a position to be in Formula 1 for next year, to be with Toro Rosso, which I like.

"But, yeah, it turned out to be a survival season, I didn't like it and I don't want it to happen ever again."

Kvyat's performance out on the race track may have been somewhat muted this year, but the dealings behind the scenes have no doubt offered him a more elaborate vision of his working environment.

"It gives you a wider vision of what things, details you should look at, what things you should pay attention... to not be, let's say, screwed over.

"There are many interesting details I've learned - not just on the track. Because, actually, unfortunately, when these kinds of things happen in your career, it's harder to learn anything on the track, so my progress kind of stopped for a while.

"Luckily, I'm working with a very hungry young engineering group and we're pushing each other, and they're pushing me - and after the summer break I feel like I can a manage to focus on the track and it paid off and it started to feel much better."

Daniil Kvyat's conclusion reflects the brutal reality of a sport which takes no prisoners.

"There are no friends in Formula 1, unfortunately."

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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.