Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost wants to keep an unchanged driver line-up for the 2020 Formula 1 season, but admits the decision is ultimately down to Red Bull.

After his demotion from Red Bull and losing his drive at Toro Rosso for 2018, Daniil Kvyat has returned to F1 with the Faenza squad this season, partnering rookie and Formula 2 frontrunner Alexander Albon.

Both drivers have made a strong start to the campaign, helping Toro Rosso into eighth place in the constructors’ championship and level on points with Racing Point.

“We have two really good drivers,” Tost said ahead of the German Grand Prix.

“Daniil Kvyat we knew from the past that he is fast, he is also matured now and he is showing a very, very good performance.

“Alex Albon, for me, is the positive surprise of the young drivers, together with Norris.

“I think that he will have a very strong second half of the season because then he knows the car quite well, he knows what’s going on in Formula 1, and if we provide him with a proper package, I think that he will come up with really good results.”

A difficult start to 2019 for Pierre Gasly following his graduation to Red Bull has led to much speculation over his future at the team. The Frenchman followed up his best result of the season at Silverstone with a hefty crash during Friday practice in Germany.

“I personally hope that we can continue with these two drivers,” Tost added.

“But this in the end is a decision from Red Bull, and I think the decision will not be made before the end of September, or the beginning of October.”