Jun.7 (GMM) Charlie Whiting has played down suggestions Daniil Kvyat has become the ‘bad boy’ of formula one.
Russian Kvyat incurred Sebastian Vettel’s wrath in China, lost his Red Bull seat after a calamitous start in Russia, and will serve a grid penalty this weekend in Montreal after crashing with Kevin Magnussen in Monaco.
“Yes he has been involved in incidents for which he was penalised,” FIA race director Charlie Whiting told Russian media including the Tass news agency.
“But he is a very good driver, I really like and respect him,” Whiting added.
“Yes he’s had incidents but I don’t think he will always be the worst offender,” the Briton said.
Now racing for Toro Rosso, 22-year-old Kvyat has sounded particularly frustrated recently, indicating he might be looking to leave the Red Bull family altogether.
“Every day in formula one the rumours are different and contradictory,” Igor Ermilin, the presidential advisor to the Russian automobile federation, told Sport-Express.
“That several teams including Williams are interested in him is no secret,” he added, “but a lot will depend on how the rest of this season goes.”
For his part, Kvyat says he has put his latest frustration behind him.
“The frustration from the last race in Monaco is now forgotten and has made me even more determined to show what I’m capable of doing,” he said.