Daniil Kvyat says he can be “very happy” with his contribution to AlphaTauri since returning to Formula 1 but accepts the prospect of him staying on for 2021 is now “very slim.”
AlphaTauri has already confirmed that Italian Grand Prix winner Pierre Gasly will remain at the team for 2021 but has yet to reveal the identity of his team-mate.
It is understood that Red Bull and Honda junior driver Yuki Tsunoda is the front-runner for the seat.
Tsunoda tested AlphaTauri’s Formula 1 machinery for the first time at Imola earlier this month but has to wrap up a top five finish in the Formula 2 standings to be assured of a Super Licence.
The Japanese youngster is currently third in the classification with two rounds left to run across the next couple of weekends in Bahrain.
“I know – like I said already many times – the chances of me being here next year are very slim,” said Kvyat on Thursday. “It will depend on a very particular scenario.
“I’m kind of already with my mind just focusing on these three races here and not really thinking too much about the future.
“I’m just going to give my best to this team these next few races, and then we will see, you know.
“They deserve me, you know, thinking about these three races and staying focus here, because in the end this year, there was a lot of ups and downs, but lately it’s been going better and better.”
Kvyat made his Formula 1 debut for AlphaTauri’s predecessor Toro Rosso in 2014 before returning to the team from Red Bull after four events of the 2016 season.
Kvyat was axed during the closing stages of 2017, and spent 2018 as Ferrari’s development driver, but re-joined Toro Rosso for 2019.
“I’ve been called to this team, because they needed me here for 2019 and 2020,” he said.
“That was my target of trying to do a good job for this team in these two years, and then… we agreed, that we would see what the future holds.
“So far I feel like last year and this year, yeah, I have been doing my best for this team. And it’s been working very well. I am very happy.
“If it has to happen that it’s my last season in F1, then you look on it from a bright side. You know, that it’s been – what is it, 110 or something races, a few podiums and other strong races – of course, it’s not bad.
“But of course, I always wanted to have a proper fight for the world championship as a driver. And this is why I will always have more hunger, you know.
“Regardless, I will always try to come back and have another shot. And as my career shows you can always have a shot again, if you’re in the right place in the right time.”
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