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Red Bull demotion "made me stop enjoying" racing, Kvyat admits
Daniil Kvyat has admitted his mid-season demotion from Red Bull to sister team Toro Rosso has made him "not so strong".
Valentin Khorounzhiy
Edited: Aug 1, 2016, 1:11 PM
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Kvyat was forced to make way for Max Verstappen in Red Bull's main team four races into the season - and has struggled for form at Toro Rosso since then, frequently coming up short of new teammate Carlos Sainz.
Asked whether having to constantly prove himself was a downside of the Red Bull programme, Kvyat said: "I can't blame them for this of course, they made me a strong driver.
"Now I'm not so strong because of what happened a few months ago, but it's not an excuse, not an explanation.
"These things, in the end, make you stronger again, but, of course, the whole situation made me reflect a bit on things, and it's not easy.
"It made me stop enjoying it for a while, but now I need to get this enjoyment back and love what I do again."
Calming down
Having been bitterly disappointed with his exit from Q1 at the German Grand Prix, Kvyat had a better run on race day, recovering to finish 2.5s behind teammate Sainz - albeit both were well adrift of the points.
"No points is disappointing, but, on the other hand, I felt quite comfortable today in the car, even if it was difficult to drive.
"I felt like I got the absolute maximum out of the car, which is positive. There was nothing we could have done better today from our side.
"Considering all the circumstances, it was a good day. It gives me confidence going into the summer break, to be honest. I need to put things together a bit more on Saturdays, then we can be in good shape for Sunday as well."
Nevertheless, Kvyat also admitted the summer break has come at a good time for him.
"I really need it, I think me more than anyone else. I've been really draining myself, asking too much of myself, things that were not possible in the car and in the circumstances, especially when I just came to the team.
"It's easy to drain yourself, that's what I feel like I did.
"Many people who know me saw I was not quite myself for the last few weeks. I don't need anyone to be sorry for me, but everyone has these points in their life.
"[Saturday] was a low point, but [on Sunday] I feel like I made not one, but a few steps ahead so I think it's going to be much better from now on.
"I believe we should be on a good path now. I've kind of calmed down."
Additional reporting by Jamie Klein
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