Daniil Kvyat: “Important to understand areas for improvement”

At the end of a thrilling race at Hockenheim, few would have counted on a podium finish for Danill Kvyat and Toro Rosso. The Faenza team, whose best result under the Honda era remained the superb fourth place in Pierre Gasly in Bahrain in 2018, returned to the podium, which she had not experienced since the victory of Hag in Italy in 2008.

A deliverance for the troops of Franz Tost, who worked a lot with the Japanese engine manufacturer to clear the land for Red Bull Racing This year.

“A first podium in 11 years for our team: it was a fantastic achievement and I think we were all very happy, recalls Kvyat about the outcome of the race in Germany. Everyone.

When I crossed the finish line it was a very special feeling. A lot of emotions. I really enjoyed those few hours after the race. It was unforgettable. »

Kicked out of Red Bull program F1 in 2017, after being promoted within Red Bull Racing then demoted to Toro Rosso, the Russian was also able to bounce back on a personal level.

Past development pilot at Ferrari, the new dad did not collapse, worked, to finally respond when Red Bull called for 2019. « It was important to understand where you can improve as a driver and as a person before a return to Formula 1, Kvyat analyzes.

It was obviously difficult to lose my place in Formula 1 and, at one point, it was thought that there was no way back for me. But since I got the call, it was important to come back very prepared and better mentally prepared.

I think all this work is paying off and I'm very happy with how things are going. I am happy with the people around me, the team around me, the way we work.

It is important that I now feel much better than in the past. It is also very important to support these results with solid results. »

A progression in parallel with that of Red Bull Racing which now allows Toro Rosso to be fifth in the Constructors' championship, ahead of Renault, Racing Point or Haas F1 Team.

“This year in general has been good and I think we can continue on this path. » believes Kvyat. To him and Alex Albon to confirm this on a track at the Hungaroring where Pierre Gasly took sixth place in 2018.