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Kvyat not blaming Red Bull programme for slump

Daniil Kvyat says he cannot blame the Red Bull programme for his slump in form and believes he will come out stronger despite his demotion.

The Russian was demoted to the Red Bull 'B' team ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix back in May as part of a change that would also see Max Verstappen head the other way and join Red Bull Racing.

Since then, the 22-year-old has struggled, with just two tenth place finishes to his name in the Toro Rosso STR11, and he admits the events of the last few months have taken there toll, not helped no doubt by the success Verstappen has enjoyed, the Dutchman winning on his debut and then taking three further podiums, including a third place finish in Germany prior to the summer break.

"I cannot blame them [Red Bull] for this, they made me a really strong driver of course. Now I am not so strong because of all these things which happened two months ago - that's not an excuse, it's an explanation," Kvyat stressed.

"This thing in the end should make me stronger again but the whole situation made me reflect on my things... It's not easy and made me stop enjoying it for a while, but now I need to get this enjoyment back and love what I do again."

He also added that the key now will be to just focus on his job with Toro Rosso and take it step-by-step rather than setting any lofty targets for Belgium and beyond.

"I agree, that's how it should be done to be honest. I don't think there has to be any certain goal, score that amount of points, or beat that many times in qualifying your teammate - you just need to go with your own flow, your own instinct," he continued.

"At this level one day you'll be faster and another day someone else will be faster. You cannot just ask something from yourself. You have to make it happen to do it and do it by driving. So I believe that it should be on a good path now, I think I've calmed down." 

Zdroj: crash.net