Rumours only fuel Hartley
Kiwi Formula One driver Brendon Hartley feels the persistent speculation around his future has hardened him into becoming a better driver.
Hartley, from Palmerston North, has secured just two championship points from 12 races this year but is in a buoyant mood as the second half of the season begins at the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend.
He described the rumours around his position at Toro Rosso as a ‘‘surprise’’ but believes he has used them to his advantage.
‘‘I actually feel much stronger than I did at the start of the year, much more sure of myself,’’ the 28-year-old Hartley told Autosport on the back of a month-long break from racing.
‘‘Having a lot of rumours and difficult questions to answer only three or four races into the season was a big surprise to me but it was a positive because it made me change my attitude, made me keep my focus in the right areas.
‘‘I was also happy I could prove myself under a highpressure situation, that I could perform and deliver.
‘‘That was quite a defining moment for me. I was under so much pressure, it made me look at my approach, how I manage my time, where I put my mental energy.
‘‘I feel much more focused on myself now. I feel a lot better because of it.’’
Hartley, who hasn’t had a lot of luck with accidents or car performance at times, still has plenty to prove over the nine remaining races as he pushes to hold his seat at Toro Rosso for next year.
His chances have been helped by the elevation of teammate Pierre Gasly to the Red Bull team as a 2019 replacement for Daniel Ricciardo as the Australian moves to Renault. Gasly’s impressive haul of 26 points made that move logical.
Hartley said he wouldn’t be distracted by that.
‘‘I’m a firm believer that the other stuff will take care of itself. It doesn’t make sense to waste mental energy looking too far ahead,’’ the rookie told Autosport.
Hartley felt he was ‘‘a valued member’’ of Toro Rosso and was working professionally with his team.
‘‘I have a good feeling, my focus is on the right area. Everyone has been positive with what I’ve been doing together with the team.’’