Max Verstappen will take Daniil Kvyat's seat at Red Bull Racing from the Spanish Grand Prix following the fallout from Sochi.
After what was a disastrous home grand prix for Russian Kvyat, the bosses at Red Bull have decided to demote the 22-year-old back to Toro Rosso for the rest of the season while 18-year-old Verstappen will move up.
The controversial move comes following the Russian GP where Kvyat hit former Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel twice in three corners which not only ruined Vettel's race but that of Kvyat and his team mate Daniel Ricciardo.
The move effectively ends Kvyat's Red Bull career despite getting the teams only podium of the season two races ago in China, as well as being their biggest points scorer in 2015.
After what was a disastrous home grand prix for Russian Kvyat, the bosses at Red Bull have decided to demote the 22-year-old back to Toro Rosso for the rest of the season while 18-year-old Verstappen will move up.
The controversial move comes following the Russian GP where Kvyat hit former Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel twice in three corners which not only ruined Vettel's race but that of Kvyat and his team mate Daniel Ricciardo.
The move effectively ends Kvyat's Red Bull career despite getting the teams only podium of the season two races ago in China, as well as being their biggest points scorer in 2015.
Team Principle Christian Horner said: "We are in the unique position to have all four drivers across Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso under long term contracts with Red Bull, so we have the flexibility to move them between the two teams."
Dany [Kvyat] will be able to continue his development at Toro Rosso, in a team that he is familiar with, giving him the chance to regain his form and show his potential."
"Max [Verstappen] has proven to be an outstanding young talent. His performance at Toro Rosso has been impressive so far and we are pleased to give him the opportunity to drive for Red Bull Racing."
The decision was expected to happen at the end of the season with Red Bull desperate to hold onto Verstappen, who has been linked with moves to both Ferrari and Mercedes.
While the idea is to take the pressure off the Russian it piles it onto the Dutchman who now has to show that he can live up to the hype that has surrounded him the last 14 months.
Dany [Kvyat] will be able to continue his development at Toro Rosso, in a team that he is familiar with, giving him the chance to regain his form and show his potential."
"Max [Verstappen] has proven to be an outstanding young talent. His performance at Toro Rosso has been impressive so far and we are pleased to give him the opportunity to drive for Red Bull Racing."
The decision was expected to happen at the end of the season with Red Bull desperate to hold onto Verstappen, who has been linked with moves to both Ferrari and Mercedes.
While the idea is to take the pressure off the Russian it piles it onto the Dutchman who now has to show that he can live up to the hype that has surrounded him the last 14 months.