Vettel: Kvyat exit not related to Russian GP accident

Sebastian Vettel says Daniil Kvyat's demotion from Red Bull had nothing to do with their accident in the Russian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing and Daniil Kvyat, Scuderia Toro Rosso

Carlos Sainz Jr., Scuderia Toro Rosso with Daniil Kvyat, Scuderia Toro Rosso and Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing in the FIA Press Conference

(L to R): Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari with Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG F1

Start crash with Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari SF16-H, Daniil Kvyat, Red Bull Racing RB12, Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing RB12 and Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 Team W07

The damaged Ferrari SF16-H of Sebastian Vettel

Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari signs autographs for the fans

Vettel was taken out of the race by Kvyat, who crashed into the Ferrari twice on the opening lap.

The Red Bull driver was given a penalty for the incident, and he would find out later in the week that he would be replaced at Red Bull by Max Verstappen.

Vettel, a former Red Bull driver himself, said the Russian GP accident had not triggered the team's decision to send Kvyat to Toro Rosso.

"I don't think it has anything to do with happened in Sochi, as I learned it had already been decided beforehand," said Vettel on Thursday.

"It's obviously good news for one and not good news for the other. You can say Red Bull is the stronger team with more manpower and resources.

"Currently if you look at the raw performance probably it's not too dissimilar, but it's a great chance for Max.

"I don't know what are the reasons for the decision, but as I said, I don't think it's related to what happened in Russia or in China."

The German said Kvyat had already apologised for the accident and that he had moved on from it.

"He realised he has done a mistake and for me that's the end of the story, there's nothing wrong with that," said Vettel.

"Of course I was very upset and disappointed in the first place because it ruined my race, but these things happen.

"There is no guarantee that I will [not] have a misjudgement on Sunday here, in two weeks, in a year, in five years if I'm still around."

Red Bull programme praise

Despite what many perceived as a harsh decision by Red Bull to move Kvyat out of its top team, Vettel insisted there are still a lot of positive things to say about the energy drinks' young driver programme.

"First of all you need to give a lot of positive for the programme. It's great to give young drivers a chance.

"I had my chance. I was under a lot of pressure and I'm sure if I hadn't delivered I probably wouldn't be here. That's the nature of the game.

"When you get your chance you need to use it. If you do or not it might depend on various reasons but I think other than trying to look for negatives I think you should praise the positives."