Ex-Red Bull driver Kvyat reveals why Verstappen’s teammates struggle

11:59, 20 May

Updated: 13:04, 20 May

bySienna Ionta

Daniil Kvyat drove for the Red Bull Racing team in 2015 and 2016, until he was replaced by Max Verstappen at the Austrian team. The former Red Bull driver discussed in an interview why none of Verstappen's teammates have been successful with the team.

Verstappen made a big impression during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix with a daring overtaking maneuver on championship leader Oscar Piastri entering turn one. The Red Bull driver subsequently took the lead convincingly and never let it go. In the F1 Nation Podcast, Kvyat reflects on that moment just after the start.

"It all looked good for Oscar initially," says the Russian. "The only problem was that Russell actually had a very good start and got a bit of slipstream. I think because of that, Oscar was more focused on his left mirror than his right mirror and didn't really expect anything to happen there."

"When Russell lifted off the gas, he thought the corner was his. He then took the corner very conservatively and so Max really had no choice but to go in very aggressively, otherwise Russell would take him. He had to take the gamble and it worked out brilliantly."

Max Verstappen takes the lead from Oscar Piastri shortly after the start of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.

Kvyat admits: 'Verstappen is just a fantastic driver'

During his tenure at Red Bull Racing, Verstappen has gone through many different teammates. Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alexander Albon, Sergio Pérez, and Liam Lawson have all been unable to hold their ground against the Dutchman. Yuki Tsunoda also seems unable to make an impression against the four-time world champion since joining the team. In the podcast, Kvyat is asked why Verstappen's teammates consistently fall short.

"I don't know. It's hard to say if you haven't driven that car yourself," admits the former F1 driver. "I think it's the whole package. It's about feeling, sensing the car. And I think he is obviously just a fantastic driver."