The Russian has been moved to Toro Rosso, with Verstappen going the other way, after his Red Bull chiefs believed he needed to be taken out of the firing line after a difficult start to the campaign.

But making his first public appearance since news of the switch took place, Kvyat said he has not yet been given a justifiable reason for what happened.

"There was no real explanation," he said. "If the bosses want something to happen it happens. It is as simple as that."

Game of Thrones

Kvyat revealed that he found out about the changes while sat at home on the sofa watching Game of Thrones on television.

"I was in Moscow, laying on the sofa and watching a TV series," he said. "Then a phone call came and they said 'Hello, I have some news for you'.

"We had 20 minutes of talking and I wanted to have an explanation. I got to know many interesting details, but I will keep it for myself for now.

"It was Dr. Marko who made the phone call. We finished the call and I went back to finish my TV series. That is all."

When asked if he accepted comments from Marko suggesting he could not handle the pressure of competing against Daniel Ricciardo, Kvyat said: "The pressure? Talking about pressure, I have been seven years part of Red Bull family and I don't see it as a big problem.

"Other people around me also had pressure. I don't think it can a big explanation, to be honest."

Golden opportunity

Although clearly disappointed to have lost his drive, Kvyat believes that seeing out the season for Toro Rosso still offers him a great chance to save his F1 career.

"I think obviously the decision and the way it happened was a bit of a shock – also for myself," he said. "It is what it is at the moment: I always think to give my answer on the track and that will not change.

"I like this team [Toro Rosso] a lot. I got a very warm welcome. I can feel the atmosphere is very positive in the team and the goals are clear for the team and myself: I will be pushing to the absolute limits on the track and will be giving my answers there."

He added: "I think it is a positive thing. I feel I have done everything for the team [Red Bull]. I have been bringing the points, all the development work and we have been working well together."