Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen has been promoted to Red Bull Getty Images

Max Verstappen has been promoted to the Red Bull Formula One team, with Daniil Kvyat being dropped to junior team Toro Rosso. The decision, which is effective immediately, comes after Kvyat endured a dreadful weekend at the Russian Grand Prix, when he twice crashed into Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel.

Verstappen is widely regarded as one of the hottest young prospects in the sport, having become the youngest driver in the history of Formula One last year when he debuted at the age of 17. Christian Horner, the Red Bull team principal, said the 18-year-old Dutchman is "an outstanding young talent".

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Meanwhile, Kvyat has been dropped down to the Toro Rosso team, who are used by Red Bull to test out young drivers. After two years, the drivers are then either promoted or dropped altogether.

"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," Horner said, according to the BBC.

Kvyat has lagged behind team-mate Daniel Ricciardo this season and has also been involved in clashes with Vettel in the last two races. The decision to demote him raises serious doubts about his future in Formula One.