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Red Bull to change driver line-up?

LONDON, ENgland - Red Bull is open to changing its driver line-up for 2016, according to the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

The news follows Dutch teenager Max Verstappen's meteoric debut for the junior outfit Toro Rosso this year, even though his progress hit a bump at the 2015 Monaco GP with his heavy crash and subsequent penalties.

But until then, Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner was declaring both Verstappen and fellow rookie Carlos Sainz's debuts in 2015 as "one of the positive stories in F1 at the moment".

PRESSURE ON KVYAT

At the same time, pressure is mounting on the shoulders of Red Bull's struggling Russian Daniil Kvyat, while lead driver Daniel Ricciardo is reportedly out of contract at the end of the season.

De Telegraaf said: "According to a source within Red Bull, replacing the current line-up of the team is certainly an option."

The newspaper identified Kvyat as clearly the most endangered, as it was "noteworthy that only Ricciardo, Sainz and Verstappen were used for commercial activities by Red Bull in Monaco".

De Telegraaf said Ricciardo, on the other hand, is being eyed by Williams and Ferrari, whose drivers Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen could be leaving their respective teams at the end of the 2015 season.

At the same time, 17-year-old Verstappen is vowing not to let his Monaco crash with Romain Grosjean and subsequent penalties affect him.

Grosjean said: "These things happen and will only make me stronger."

France's L'Equipe quotes him as saying: "I have learned many lessons since the beginning of the season, and I'm happy with the way things are going. Experience is essential, as it will enable me to achieve success in a top team."

Verstappen added: "Carlos and I are rookies, so when we make mistakes, we are more easily forgiven. But if I want to go to Red Bull, I have no right to make them."

Stay with Wheels24 for the 2015 F1 season – fresh reports every day.

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