Daniil Kvyat is facing the looming end of his Formula 1 career, according to Ivan Capelli, a former F1 driver who recently stepped down as a leading official involved with the Italian Grand Prix.
He told La Gazzetta dello Sport that Red Bull's decision to promote Max Verstappen, thereby sending Kvyat back to Toro Rosso, is grim news for the 22-year-old Russian.
"It puts Kvyat in a very difficult situation," said Capelli, who drove for Ferrari in 1992.
"History has shown what Red Bull does in these situations.
"Clearly the programme has produced great drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo, but I have to say that Kvyat is facing the abyss, like many, many drivers before him."
Indeed, insiders believe that Red Bull will keep the revolving door turning at Toro Rosso next year, with current GP2 series leader Pierre Gasly first in line for a 2017 seat.
Gasly, 20, will test the Toro Rosso in Barcelona this week.
Worsening the situation for Kvyat is that Dr Helmut Marko's controversial decision to oust him was vindicated on Sunday as Verstappen won the Spanish Grand Prix.
