GPI 2016 Russian Grand Prix Edition | Page 78

TALKING POINT GAME OF THRONES The decision was seen as harsh, even if it came after the Russian had twice collided in Sochi with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel. Kvyat had been on the podium in the preceding race in China. The switch was also interpreted as a move by Red Bull to secure Verstappen for the long term in the face of rising interest from rivals. Red Bull principal Christian Horner said the move would allow Kvyat to “regain his form and show his potential” in a familiar team but the Russian said he had been given “no real explanation.” “If the bosses want something to happen, they just make it happen. It’s as simple as that,” declared Kvyat. He said ‘dropped’ was too heavy a word for what had happened, saw no reason for it and said he had been feeling no more pressure than usual. “I will try to give as loud an answer as possible on the track,” Kvyat said of his response. “I am now extremely hungry…there are a lot more positive moments now than anyone can imagine and I take it as a golden opportunity with Toro Rosso.”