SOCHI, RUSSIA - MAY 01: Daniil Kvyat of Russia and Red Bull Racing gets ready on the grid ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Russia at Sochi Autodrom on May 1, 2016 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Daniel Ricciardo has a new teammate for the Spanish Grand Prix, with Red Bull dumping Daniil Kvyat with immediate effect for teen sensation Max Verstappen.

The Russian was in the doghouse at Red Bull after a catastrophic first lap at Sochi, where a locked brake into Turn 1 sent him skittling Sebastian Vettel and teammate Daniel Ricciardo, before another crash with Vettel finished off the Ferrari driver’s day.

And Red Bull announced in a statement on its website that it had promoted the 18-year-old Verstappen from Red Bull’s junior team, Toro Rosso, to their lead squad

“Max has proven to be an outstanding young talent. His performance at Toro Rosso has been impressive so far and we are pleased to give him the opportunity to drive for Red Bull Racing,” Christian Horner, Team Principal, said.

Read more at HeraldSun.com.au