Daniil Kvyat insists he is over his mid-season struggles and that "every day is a joy" now he has found form again with Toro Rosso.
Kvyat, demoted from Red Bull to Toro Rosso ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in May, cut a sorry figure before the summer break after a particularly difficult weekend at Hockenheim. The Russian driver has seemed rejuvenated since the four-week break, however, and returned to the points with a good drive to ninth in Singapore.
His earlier struggles -- coupled with Red Bull junior Pierre Gasly's impressive form in GP2 -- had led to speculation Kvyat could be axed for 2017 but he now has a more positive outlook about his future.
"I am definitely a lot more comfortable than a couple of months ago," Kvyat said about 2017. "Now, compared to the situation a few months ago I had doubts but everything is clear to me. I want to do this [race in F1] as long as I can."
Kvyat previously admitted falling out of love with Formula One after his demotion, but now insists he has found his passion once again.
"I have to create my own comfort. It feels quite good. It is now every weekend is, let's say, an enjoyable thing whereas before coming to the race we know it won't be an easy one for us but I enjoy my work regardless of the position we are fighting for. I will try until the end.
"You have to accept your situation, find the things you enjoy in your work and I found them and I enjoy my work now. Every day is a joy."
When asked when there will be an announcement either way about his future, he said: "When the time comes, it will come. Soon. Very soon. Before it happens I don't want to talk about it. We will see how things go [...] my career is in Red Bull's hands and we sort things out at this stage between me and Red Bull.
"For the driver who won a few races it is much easier... I had two podiums, which makes it easier, but it is not a win. Having myself and Red Bull is comfortable. There is no need for regular discussions, we will just sit down once and then we will decide. We know each other well enough to sit down once and express our opinions and listen to our decisions."