Kvyat says Red Bull the priority amid Force India talk

Daniil Kvyat insists staying with Red Bull remains his number one priority, amid speculation linking the Russian with a switch to Force India.

(L to R): Daniil Kvyat, Scuderia Toro Rosso with Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull Motorsport Consultant

Kvyat's future at Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso is still up in the air after having lost his drive with the top team to Max Verstappen at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Motorsport.com revealed earlier today that the Russian is one of the candidates to replace Nico Hulkenberg at Force India next year.

And while Kvyat admits he has held talks with other teams, he says his preference is to continue at Toro Rosso.

"To be honest there is talk here and there. We are all humans, it's not too difficult to just sit down and talk with someone," said Kvyat.

"We just talk and discuss things. It's not a crime. We're all humans here. Like I said, our priority is Red Bull. They've been managing my whole career.

"On one hand it's been very easy because they've always picked me up. Now we are at a point where we are a bit in the air, but still Red Bull is the number one we're going to talk to.

"And once we talk, we'll decide what the future is and move on so I can't wait for the talk."

More options

Kvyat said he has other options should Red Bull decide not to renew his contract.

"For sure there are many interesting options around. Let's just wait and see, it's too early to talk about this kind of thing. We'll have something coming up quite soon.

"I'm looking for a place where I will be able to show how good I am basically. Toro Rosso is a fantastic team, we're like a family.

"I feel very comfortable in the team but it will depend on what Red Bull is gonna say. If no, then no. I'll go somewhere else."

After a difficult time with Toro Rosso following his return to the team, Kvyat has picked up the pace in recent races and has performed strongly.

"I feel the same kind of curve for us – it's very positive," he said of his form. "Nothing comes for granted, we have to keep the attitude, the work and the approach.

"It's working very well for our side of the garage, very precise, very spot on all the time. It's hard work to keep maintaining these kinds of high results, even though in Japan of course it was only P13 in qualifying and race.

"Still it was a very strong performance with our package."

When asked if Force India's interest meant his reputation had been restored, he said: "Well, from my side I'm still very good!"

Additional reporting by Jonathan Noble