Daniil Kvyat has dismissed suggestions that Formula 1 drivers are at risk of being caught taking meldonium, a newly-banned drug.
Over 100 international athletes, mainly Russian, have tested positive for the substance since it was recently prohibited, with tennis star Maria Sharapova claiming that she took it for genuine health issues.
It is argued the drug also has performance-enhancing qualities, leading to Russia's only F1 driver Kvyat being asked if he has taken it.
"Of course not," he is quoted as saying by Tass news agency.
"I think doping would do little to help the drivers in Formula 1. There are some tracks where we are at our physical limits, but usually we train enough to get through these races without problem."
Kvyat, who drives for Red Bull, was also asked about the news that his countryman Sergey Sirotkin has secured a Friday practice role at their home race at Sochi this week.
"I'm glad for him and hopefully it will grow into something bigger in the future," he is quoted as saying by Ria Novosti.
Finally, reporters asked Kvyat about his famous run-in with Sebastian Vettel two weeks ago, and whether he had a chance to look at the video replays of the clash.
"I didn't particularly care to see it but it was everywhere and couldn't avoid it," said the 22-year-old.
"I did what every racing driver would have done, Ferrari wasn't ready for it and they paid the price. I don't have anything more to say about it."
Kvyat sits in seventh place in the drivers' rankings ahead of the fourth race of the season on Sunday.
