Daniil Kvyat can still return to Formula 1 even if he has to sit out 2018, according to the Russian's former Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo.

After being dropped by the energy drink company, 23-year-old Kvyat is believed to have only an outside chance of securing the Williams seat for 2018.

Ricciardo told Tass news agency in Baku: "I think if Daniil misses a season, it could even do him good.

"He is naturally very talented, which I recognised well when we were teammates. He was often very fast."

"He's also still very young and I think still has a chance to prove himself in Formula 1. He just needs a reboot.

"In this regard, I am confident that leaving Red Bull will even do him good."

Kvyat picked up five points last season before being dropped.