Kvyat hints at Red Bull internal politics

The Russian was sent back to Toro Rosso before the Spanish Grand Prix, after Red Bull chose to promote Max Verstappen to the senior team.

Verstappen went on to win in his first race with Red Bull while Kvyat scored a point in 10th.

Speaking about the decision, Kvyat said: "Formula 1 is not only what you do on the track.

"There is a lot going on behind the track but I do not want to discuss this in an interview now. I keep it for myself. I learned a bit more and I have a very long memory.

"I will remember this decision from them. Now I am with Toro Rosso, the team that I like a lot and it seems like a mutual feeling.

"It seems we have a big potential and all in all, it can be a very good step for my career."

Kvyat said talk of him being cast aside from Red Bull had become "a trend" but he was still shocked by the decision when it came.

"Somehow, you always know there is something in the air," he said.

"Since I joined Red Bull, it was a bit of a trend, it was the talk. I was just focusing on the job on the track and everything but as it has been proved, this was not enough. In Sochi, I had no idea. It was a shock. It was just a confusing decision at the time."

The Russian believes the scenario has made him a stronger driver.

"I had a few good days thinking about life," he said. "I learned a lot about life and I learned a lot about Formula 1.

"I feel like it made me a much, much stronger person and a driver because Formula 1 is not only what you do on the track, unfortunately."