Max Verstappen 'cannot wait for special moment' after replacing Daniil Kvyat at Red Bull
Kvyat has been dropped to the Toro Rosso team for the rest of the season after a poor performance in Russia
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Max Verstappen is looking ahead to what he believes will be a "special moment" when he makes his debut for Red Bull at next week's Spanish Grand Prix.
The 18-year-old will replace Daniil Kvyat for the remainder of the season after the Russian was unceremoniously dumped by Red Bull following an error-strewn display in front of his home fans on Sunday.
Verstappen, already tipped to be a future world champion, will now team up with Daniel Ricciardo in a sensational promotion with Kvyat demoted back to Toro Rosso.
And the Dutchman, who wasted no time in getting to know his new team after he visited their Milton Keynes' base shortly after the official announcement on Thursday, also paid tribute to Helmut Marko, Red Bull's ruthless motorsport adviser.
"The next step in my relatively short career so far is an amazing opportunity and I really want to thank Red Bull Racing and Dr Helmut Marko for the confidence they have in me," said Verstappen.
"I'll have the chance to learn a lot from the top team that is Red Bull Racing. I'm also looking forward to working with an experienced and proven team-mate like Daniel Ricciardo.
"Together with Red Bull Racing we'll do everything to prepare me as best as possible for my first laps in the RB12 Tag Heuer, next week in Barcelona. I cannot wait for that special moment to happen."
Verstappen's impressive displays, since he made his debut as the sport's youngest-ever driver, last year, have courted the attention of both Mercedes and Ferrari. With Kimi Raikkonen out of contract at the end of the season, his upgrade to the Red Bull team could be seen as a move to block any approach from the famous Italian constructor.
"Max has proven to be an outstanding young talent," said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. "His performance at Toro Rosso has been impressive so far and we are pleased to give him the opportunity to drive for Red Bull Racing.
"We are in the unique position to have all four drivers across Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso under long-term contracts with Red Bull, so we have the flexibility to move them between the two teams."
Kvyat replaced Ferrari-bound Sebastian Vettel last year, but his future with Red Bull now appears bleak. Horner however, added: "Dany will be able to continue his development at Toro Rosso, in a team that he is familiar with, giving him the chance to regain his form and show his potential."
PA
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