Kvyat, 19, is a product of the Red Bull Junior Driver Program and will be the first driver to step from GP3 to F1. He’s said to have impressed team officials at the Silverstone young driver test in July. He is also currently second in this year’s season of GP3.
The news will be disappointing for Portuguese driver Antonio Felix da Costa, who was tipped to be given the seat. Da Costa has had a tough season of Formula Renault 3.5 this year, which may have weighed in on the decision making at Toro Rosso.
Of course, there’s also plenty of speculation that Russian sponsorship dollars may also have helped determine the result. Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost has previously said that Kvyat was too young for the seat in 2014, although now he states that he is a very talented driver.
“This is fantastic news, a dream come true and I want to thank Red Bull and Toro Rosso for giving me this priceless opportunity,” Kvyat said upon hearing the news of his appointment. “Ever since I began karting, I wanted to get to Formula One and now that wish will become reality next season.”
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