Red Bull "lost confidence" in Kvyat, says Tost

Kvyat scored a point in Austin on his return to the team after a two-race absence, but following discussions with Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko and Toro Rosso team boss Tost, it was agreed he would not return.

Tost conceded Kvyat had endured several technical problems this season but added he also made mistakes and scored just four points to teammate Carlos Sainz’s tally of 48.

“The season from Daniil this year was very unfortunate,” Tost told Motorsport.com. “There were a lot of technical problems which were not in the hands of Daniil, he couldn’t do anything.

"But he also made some driver errors. After Austin, he had five points. If you compare it with Carlos, although he was not racing with us in Austin, he had 54 points. 

"Both parties lost confidence in each other. In such a situation, it’s better to say OK, we stop the cooperation and this gives Daniil the chance to look for another team and to look for his future. 

“We felt the confidence was not there any more on the level you need if you are to work together successfully in the future.”

Kvyat made contact with Williams and Sauber regarding a seat next season, but the chances of him getting either one of those seats are remote. 

The Russian has been particularly outspoken this season, amid the difficult run of results and lack of clarity over his future.  

When asked if that approach had an impact on Red Bull’s decision, Tost said: “Of course. But in the end, it’s the results which are counting. 

“Both parties expected more and it didn’t happen. Therefore a termination is the best solution for both parties.”

Brendon Hartley was let go from the Red Bull junior programme in 2010 only to make his F1 debut with Toro Rosso last time out in Austin.

Tost said “anything is possible” regarding the prospects of Kvyat returning in the future and added that he still believed the Russian had talent.

“In motorsport, especially Formula 1, you should never say never,” said Tost. “Daniil has the talent, he’s very fast and if he gets everything together, he can be successful. 

“He has showed it in the past, he won the GP3 championship, he was with Red Bull on the podium, he is a skilled driver. Still I’m convinced he’s a very fast driver.

“If everything comes together, he can be very far in front. This is what he showed in the past.”