Helmut Marko: 'Red Bull keeping James Key, Daniil Kvyat'

Red Bull - Feb Barcelona Testing day 1 - 2016
© Getty Images
Dr Helmut Marko plays down speculation that two key Red Bull figures could be set to leave the energy drink company's F1 foray.

Dr Helmut Marko has played down speculation that two key Red Bull figures could be set to leave the energy drink company's Formula 1 foray.

With James Allison now gone at Ferrari, some have wondered if Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso's technical boss James Key might be the ideal replacement.

Yet Marko, who is Red Bull magnate Dietrich Mateschitz's F1 right-hand man, insisted: "Key has a contract until the end of 2018."

The Austrian also responded to reports that Daniil Kvyat, who has struggled since being demoted from Red Bull to Toro Rosso, will be dropped by the energy drink camp altogether by the end of the season - and possibly even before.

"In terms of Kvyat, we're holding onto him," Marko told Auto Bild.

"He just needs time to clear his head, refuel his self-confidence and return to his full potential."

Red Bull are currently second in the constructors' championship, leading third-placed Ferrari by 14 points.

Dr Helmut Marko looks on in the garage during practice for the Austria Grand Prix at Red Bull Ring on June 19, 2015
Read Next:
Marko: 'Drivers need a Mercedes, Red Bull to win titles'
>

CountryGoldGSilverSBronzeBTotal
1 United StatesUnited States28282884
2 Great BritainGreat Britain19191250
3 ChinaChina17151850