AlphaTauri driver Daniil Kvyat says he will “keep fighting” until the end of the 2020 campaign amid uncertainty over his Formula 1 future.
Kvyat made his Formula 1 debut in 2014 and has since started 105 grands prix, spending the bulk of his career with Toro Rosso/AlphaTauri, but his seat for 2021 is under threat.
AlphaTauri is ramping up preparations with Red Bull/Honda protégé Yuki Tsunoda in anticipation of the Japanese youngster grabbing a race seat for 2021.
Tsunoda, third in the Formula 2 standings, recently carried out a seat fitting at AlphaTauri’s Faenza squad and will drive its 2018 car at Imola next week, prior to an outing in December’s young driver test.
Red Bull has repeatedly indicated that Pierre Gasly will be remaining at AlphaTauri while it will recruit outside of its pool of drivers if it drops Alexander Albon.
“Look, honestly, I’m not at all like worried,” he said. “If I’m going to be in Formula 1 next year it’s good. If not, then so be it.
“Everything is still open. It’s in these crazy conditions, you know, everything can happen. You need to keep fighting until the end, take your chances.
“I’m just doing my best, my best in these five races remaining. And then, whatever will happen, then I will make my decisions based on what it’s going to be at the end of the year.”
Kvyat has had a subdued season in comparison to team-mate Gasly.
Kvyat holds 14th in the standings with 14 points, five positions and 49 points down on the total accrued by Monza winner Gasly.
I’m a bit unsure as to why he has been so mediocre this season. Is Gasly being given any upgrades over him? He seems to be keeping a low profile, almost like he’s lost interest. I read somewhere he might be part of Mazepins plans for Haas team(?).Maybe he’s been told to keep shtumm?