Daniil Kvyat will return to action for Toro Rosso this weekend in the United States Grand Prix.
But reports in the media on Tuesday hinted that the Russian driver might be back in the cockpit for one race only. They suggest that his long-term future is yet to be determined.
Kvyat was benched by the team for Malaysia and Japan in favour of Pierre Gasly. However Gasly will be absent from Austin this weekend, as he bids to clinch the Japanese Super Formula title the same day.
The team's other driver Carlos Sainz has also left the team since Suzuka. He's gone to Renault, replacing Jolyon Palmer with immediate effect.
That left Toro Rosso recalling Kvyat to action in Austin. He's paired with a début Formula 1 appearance for New Zealand sportscar star Brendon Hartley.
It was widely assumed that Hartly's deal was a one-off arrangement and that Gasly would return alongside Kvyat the following week in Mexico.
But now reports suggest that Kvyat's participation is still in doubt beyond Austin, depending on how well Hartley performs.
"I do not understand the political games of Formula 1 very well," Russian motor racing promoter Boris Shulmeystera told Championat. "But judging from the rumours, if I were Daniil then I would be worried.
"It is a pity that such a talented driver is first transferred from the senior to the junior team," he added. "And now to find himself struggling to survive. I hope I'm wrong."
Ultimately the decision on Toro Rosso's line-up will be made by Red Bull's motorsport consultant Dr Helmut Marko. He could decide to give Hartley a second chance in the car in the following weekend's Mexico round. That would leave Kvyat out in the cold again for the third time in four races.
The Toro Rosso team also faces another setback with news that one of its current sponsors, Estrella Galicia, will follow Sainz to Renault.
"In principle, they are talking to the team to see the terms for this year and next year," said Sainz' manager and cousin Carlos Elnoro,
The Spanish beer brand has been a long-term personal sponsor for Sainz during his time in Formula 1.
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