1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve says he would not be surprised if Toro Rosso sweeps its driver lineup clean in the near future. The French Canadian said he is not particularly impressed with either Carlos Sainz, who is linked with a switch to Renault or elsewhere, or Daniil Kvyat.
Villeneuve is especially critical of Russian Kvyat. "He did not adapt to Red Bull, so he went back to Toro Rosso. But he did not bounce back," he told the Belgian website f1nal-lap. "He is still not at the level of Sainz, and in addition, he does nothing but stupid things and never learns from them."
Indeed, Kvyat has scored only 4 of Toro Rosso's 40 points this year, but Villeneuve says he is not very impressed with Spaniard Sainz either. "He stays in a straight line -- he's the same driver he was three or four years ago," Villeneuve insisted.
"Also, he so often spits on Toro Rosso -- 'the car is no good, I don't want to be in the team'. I would not be surprised if these two do not continue for long in F1. (Pierre) Gasly is coming, but the chance that Kvyat stays is because Red Bull needs a Russian. Clearly he does not deserve his place this year. He's there purely for political and media reasons," Villeneuve added. (GMM)
'Kvyat purely for political and media reasons in F1'
- Published on 07 Sep 2017 15:17
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- By: Rob Veenstra
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Replies (5)
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Typical Villeneuve. Some truth behind a lot of stupidity. The Kyvat part of is totally true though. He might be the most undeserving driver on the grid. On the other hand Sainz is great and getting better. As soon as he gets a better car he will be able to show it.
- + 1
- Sep 7 2017 - 15:25
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Not a big fan of Vileneuve, but I agree with him regarding Kvyat. I was astonished when Red Bull picked him over Jean-Eric Vergne.
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- Sep 7 2017 - 15:34
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Totally agree, I've never gotten my head round why JEV was not retained.... There was nothing between him and Daniel Ricciardo, it could be argued that Verne was actually better in the actual races, showing an Alonso-like ability to carve through the pack/overtake. It's all money, marketing and timing I guess.....
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- Sep 8 2017 - 17:08
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"In addition, he does nothing but stupid things and never learns from them." Love that quote because it fits Villeneuve himself so... so... perfectly well!
- + 2
- Sep 7 2017 - 16:53
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He sadly keeps mr putin happy
- + 0
- Sep 7 2017 - 23:31
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Driver profile
- Team Alpine F1
- Points 194
- Podiums 3
- Grand Prix 93
- Country RU
- Date of b. Apr 28 1994 (32)
- Place of b. Ufa, RU
- Weight 58 kg
- Length 1.75 m
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- Team name Scuderia Toro Rosso
- Base Faenza, Italy
- Daniel Ricciardo 3
- Pierre Gasly 10
- Pierre Gasly 10
- Pierre Gasly 10
- Sebastian Vettel 15
- Daniel Ricciardo 16
- Jean-Eric Vergne 17
- Jean-Eric Vergne 18
- Daniel Ricciardo 19
- Sebastian Vettel 19
- Nyck de Vries 21
- Yuki Tsunoda 22
- Alexander Albon 23
- Jean-Eric Vergne 25
- Daniil Kvyat 26
- Daniil Kvyat 26
- Daniil Kvyat 26
- Daniil Kvyat 26
- Brendon Hartley 28
- Max Verstappen 33
- Liam Lawson 40
- Carlos Sainz jr 55
- 94,365 comments on Scuderia Toro Rosso
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"In addition, he does nothing but stupid things and never learns from them." Love that quote because it fits Villeneuve himself so... so... perfectly well!