Daniil Kvyat has conceded that his chances of keeping his AlphaTauri drive next year are ‘’very slim.’’ 

The Russian, who’s been comprehensively beaten by Pierre Gasly since the French driver returned to the team last year, looks set to lose out to young Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda. 

Tsunoda, currently 3rd in the Formula 2 standings with two rounds to go, needs to finish in the top 5 to guarantee himself a Super Licence. The 20-year-old also tested the AT01 at Imola earlier this year.  

“I know – like I said already many times – the chances of me being here next year are very slim,” said Kvyat. “It will depend on a very particular scenario. 

“I’m kind of already with my mind just focusing on these three races here and not really thinking too much about the future. 

“I’m just going to give my best to this team these next few races, and then we will see, you know. 

“They deserve me, you know, thinking about these three races and staying focus here, because in the end this year, there was a lot of ups and downs, but lately it’s been going better and better.” 

Kvyat’s had a topsy-turvy career and it has included three different spells at the Faenza-based team.  

After ''needing'' him for the last two seasons according to the Russian, his time in the sport looks to be at an end for now. He won’t give up on trying to get a drive somewhere again in the future, though.  

“I’ve been called to this team because they needed me here for 2019 and 2020,” he said. 

“That was my target of trying to do a good job for this team in these two years, and then… we agreed, that we would see what the future holds. 

“So far I feel like last year and this year, yeah, I have been doing my best for this team. And it’s been working very well. I am very happy. 

“If it has to happen that it’s my last season in F1, then you look on it from a bright side. You know, that it’s been – what is it, 110 or something races, a few podiums and other strong races – of course, it’s not bad. 

“But of course, I always wanted to have a proper fight for the world championship as a driver. And this is why I will always have more hunger, you know. 

“Regardless, I will always try to come back and have another shot. And as my career shows you can always have a shot again, if you’re in the right place in the right time.”