Christian Horner has admitted that it is unlikely Daniil Kvyat will be returning to Red Bull's senior team anytime soon.
Just before Barcelona, Dr Helmut Marko made the controversial decision to send Russian Kvyat back to Toro Rosso so that teen sensation Max Verstappen can be instantly promoted.
"It was not easy to convince everyone to get him in the car," Marko admitted to Auto Bild.
Ultimately, however, Marko's highly-controversial decision now appears inspired, after 18-year-old Verstappen made history with his shock first win on Sunday.
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner is comparing the young Dutchman with Sebastian Vettel, who also began his climb to F1 stardom with the team.
"We have no new Sebastian," Marko insists. "He is Max Verstappen."
"I think [Kvyat's] return is highly unlikely in the near future," said Horner, "but you can never rule anything out.
"He has a long-term contract and he will continue to gain experience at Toro Rosso, without being under so much pressure."
The season continues with the Monaco Grand Prix in two weeks' time.
