In the space of four races, Daniil Kvyat has gone from rising sensation to arguable liability.

Outspoken 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve thinks Red Bull is now paying for its "arrogant" driver choice in having replaced the Ferrari-bound quadruple world champion Sebastian Vettel with a 20-year-old Russian wielding only a year of F1 experience.

It is true that Red Bull is struggling in 2015, and also true is that rumours the team is considering replacing Kvyat with new sensation Max Verstappen for 2016 are swirling around the paddock.

Daniel Ricciardo, now Red Bull's senior driver, was asked in Barcelona if Kvyat's lack of experience is hurting the team following Vettel's exit.

"It's hard to say," the Australian answered, according to Speed Week.

"Of course, Sebastian built up a good relationship with the team and also gave good feedback thanks to his experience," said Ricciardo.

"Daniil also gives his feedback and it's hard to say whether it's right or wrong.

"I don't know if Sebastian's departure has hurt us -- I hope not. We are both doing our best to help the team."

What is undeniable is that Kvyat's star has faded dramatically over the course of his travels through Australia, Malaysia, China and Bahrain.

"You just have to keep believing in your abilities," the young Russian told f1news.ru in Spain, "without paying attention to what, let's say the less-informed people are saying."

(GMM)