Daniil Kvyat says he is “not living in an illusion” over his Formula 1 future but outlined that his lap during qualifying for the Sakhir Grand Prix showed his ability.
Kvyat is set to lose his AlphaTauri seat for 2021 to Red Bull-backed youngster Yuki Tsunoda, who won Saturday’s Formula 2 Feature Race, sealing the position he needs for a Super Licence.
Kvyat, who has spent almost five seasons with AlphaTauri/Toro Rosso, qualified in sixth position on Saturday, and was buoyed by his display.
“It was a good session overall, I think I had the good rhythm, to be honest, since last week already here,” he said.
“I just didn’t put lap together last week in Q3 but I was already very happy with my driving last week here, and now today I just managed to put a very good lap together in Q3.
“I think [it was] the best of the year so far in qualy. So very happy and pleased. Very pleased with my driving.”
However he dismissed suggestions that performances such as his Q3 lap would convince AlphaTauri to retain him for Kvyat.
“I think the chances are very slim, and I accepted it a while ago,” he said.
“So it’s the only seat available right now in F1 and they need to promote their young drivers and this is the last thing I heard. So it’s fair. I’m not living in an illusion. I know that’s how the things, are and of course it’s normal.
“I’m just doing everything I can in these last races, last qualifying [sessions], you know, in the sessions that matter, to show what I’m worth.
“Today was one of those sessions to remind that I can, you know, put it in the right place, and if it’s not next year in F1, then I’ll do my best to be back in 2022 hungrier than ever, and hopefully in a place where I can show my potential.”
