Red Bull: Verstappen replaces Kvyat

Max Verstappen will form a new driver line-up for Red Bull alongside Daniel Ricciardo, replacing Daniil Kvyat from the Spanish Grand Prix onwards.

Kvyat - who has been dropped following his crashes at the Russian Grand Prix - will now race for Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso in Barcelona on the weekend of 13 to 15 May. The 22-year-old drove for the Italian-based team in 2014.

Verstappen, 18, who made his debut last year as the sport's youngest-ever driver, makes the move up from Toro Rosso following Kvyat's poor display at his home race.

Kvyat twice crashed into Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel on the opening lap, leaving the four-time world champion in the wall and livid.

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner said: "Max 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.

"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 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."

Toro Rosso counterpart Franz Tost said:"We are more than happy to welcome Daniil back to Faenza and look forward to having a successful season with him."

With Verstappen already being tipped by seasoned observers as a future world champion after starring in his debut season, the pressure on Kvyat to deliver more consistent performances was already growing even before 2016 began - despite the Russian outscoring highly-rated team-mate Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull in 2015.

Kvyat claimed the second podium finish of his career at last month's Chinese GP but the team's management were left unimpressed with his driving on the opening lap in Russia, when he twice hit Vettel and knocked the Ferrari into Ricciardo.

Both Red Bulls were damaged and failed to score points, meaning the team lost touch with Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship and saw their advantage over Williams all-but wiped out.

Reacting to the news Kvyat had now been demoted, McLaren's Jenson Button tweeted: "Really? One bad race and Kyvat's dropped, what about the podium in the previous race? #Shortmemories. I respect his [Verstappen's] talent but he's got time on his hands."

Verstappen is thought to be tied to Red Bull until the end of 2017 but it is an open secret Mercedes and Ferrari are monitoring the Dutchman's progress closely. Both teams each have one driver out of contract at the end of this season, although championship leader Nico Rosberg appears likely to agree a new deal with Mercedes.

"Helmut Marko's been looking for chance to get Max Verstappen in the senior team," tweeted Sky F1's Ted Kravitz. "Kvyat gave him two. Plus strengthens RB's hand in bidding war."