Kvyat tipped to be back to his best in 2017

The Russian was dropped by Red Bull after a disappointing start to the campaign, and struggled initially to get up to speed at his new outfit after swapping seats with Max Verstappen.

But big progress over the closing stages of the campaign – which included a confidence-boosting battle with Verstappen at the Singapore Grand Prix – has left team principal Franz Tost convinced that Kvyat will deliver this season.

"I was 100 percent convinced that he could come back [to his best] because he showed in the past that he could do it," Tost told Motorsport.com.

"In sports in general, you have ups and downs. But if a driver – or a sportsman in general – shows that he can win races and championships, then you know he has in mind all the ingredients he needs to be successful.

"Therefore I'm convinced that Daniil is coming back, that he will become successful and I expect a very strong season from him in 2017."

Verstappen boost

Tost believes that last year's Singapore Grand Prix weekend was the turning point for Kvyat, who had faced a battle to keep hold of his Toro Rosso seat.

For as well as showing good speed on track, Kvyat also did well in an on-track fight with Verstappen.

"I think that it was generally positive to show that he still has the speed and the car control to fight against Max," added Tost. "And also to leave him behind. I think for his self-confidence it was very important.

"I think the big turnaround was done in Singapore, where he really showed a good race and qualifying as well. And also afterwards he showed good performance. Therefore for me it was clear that he should continue with us."

Mind management

Tost accepts that the situation was not easy for Kvyat after being dropped by Red Bull, and that may have led to his initial difficulties.

"After changing from Red Bull Racing to Toro Rosso, it was a hard time for him," he explained.

"Naturally you also get a little bit weak from the confidence side. So it's a positive influence and impact if you can keep a driver like Max Verstappen behind you with a Toro Rosso car.

"Of course Red Bull had a very competitive package, from the engine side as well as from other components, but he showed that he could still do it and in parallel increased his self confidence.

"The most important part for race driver that he is clear in his head and that he is self-confident."