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Formula One: Daniil Kvyat is Ferrari’s new development driver

By Dustin Smith

AUSTIN, TX - OCTOBER 20: Daniil Kvyat of Scuderia Toro Rosso and Russia during practice for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on October 20, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - OCTOBER 20: Daniil Kvyat of Scuderia Toro Rosso and Russia during practice for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on October 20, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images) /
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After not signing with Williams Martini Racing, Formula One driver Daniil Kvyat has signed as the development driver for Ferrari. Is this the break the young Russian needed?

Daniil Kvyat is back in Formula One after signing as the development driver for Ferrari. Could this move by Ferrari be a sign of the future for the team?

After what could be called a tough few years for Daniil Kvyat with Red Bull Racing, the 23-year-old Russian has a new home. At this point, Kvyat is Ferrari’s new development driver. However, could this be a sign of things to come for him?

The news of Kvyat joining Ferrari as a development driver may very well be a huge opportunity for him. At this point, the Ferrari team is made up of 30-year-old Sebastien Vettel. Vettel and 38 year old Kimi Raikkonen. By and large, Raikkonen is more than likely in his final years in Formula One. Therefore, Ferrari bringing in Kvyat could mean a replacement for Raikkonen could be coming sooner rather than later.

The move to sign Kvyat could play out to be a great one if he is able to mold and take form under the influence of Vettel and Raikkonen. This decision could play out to save Ferrari time and resources when Raikkonen does retire or does not have his contract renewed. With Kvyat having driven in over 70 races in Formula One, he makes sense as a good replacement for Ferrari.

Kvyat’s Formula One resume

It can be hard to imagine a driver having 72 races under his belt at just 23 years old. However, with Daniil Kvyat, this is the case. All things considered, this is a tremendous opportunity for Kvyat, but it could be even better for Ferrari.

At the age of 20, Kvyat drove his first full season with Red Bull Racing. In his rookie season, he was able to score 8 points and finished ranked 14th in the drivers standings.

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Daniil was able score his first podium in 2015 with a 2nd place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix. He finished the 2015 season with a total of 95 points. Those 95 points were good enough to place Kvyat in 7th place in the driver standings. All things considered, things appeared to be heading in the right direction for Kvyat.

However, 2016 was a different story. From a progress standpoint, Kvyat went backwards. Ultimately, just one podium finish was not enough for the Russian, who was later assigned to the Toro Rosso team for development. Kvyat finished the season in 14th place in the drivers standings.

Ultimately, 2017 was not a great year for Kvyat, either. Finishing 18th in points, Kvyat only raced in 15 of the 20 races scheduled and was essentially replaced after the United States Grand Prix. In the meantime, the big discussion regarding Kvyat was him being the driver to fill a spot with Williams Martini Racing. However this was not the case. Williams is likely set to sign fellow Russian Sergey Sirotkin.

Above all, the 23-year-old Daniil Kvyat has been given a great opportunity with Ferrari. He will have the ability to learn and grow behind Vettel and Raikkonen and will more than likely be back in a full-time Formula One ride soon.

Next: Formula One: Top 10 drivers of all-time

Daniil Kvyat has been given a huge opportunity to grow with one of the best manufacturers in Formula One. Will he be the next Ferrari driver when Kimi Raikkonen retires?

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