Has Hartley run his race in Formula 1?

Formula One circles are full of speculation that Brendon Hartley is starting his final Grand Prix this weekend but the Kiwi driver says he is feeling positive.

The F1 season draws to a close at Abu Dhabi with the 21st and final race of the season and – if you believe the constant theories and rumours – the last of Hartley’s F1 career.

Once again, Hartley, 29, is preparing to put all the conjecture to one side as he aims to finish the season on a high.

‘‘It’s the last race of the season and I’m approaching it in a positive frame of mind,’’ Hartley said.

For Hartley, rumours of his demise are nothing new. He’s been fending off questions about whether he’s going to be sacked for most of the F1 season.

The speculation on Hartley’s career really ramped up way back in May at the Spanish Grand Prix when all the talk was he would be gone after the Monaco Grand Prix in late May.

But Hartley has managed to survive. He has greatly improved as the season has gone on but whether it will be enough for him to return in 2019 with Toro Rosso remains to be seen.

‘‘I have had a strong end to the season, performing well in the last few races, even when the car wasn’t quick enough to score big points,’’ he said.

‘‘I’m happy with my relative performance and my improvement throughout the season.’’

Many F1 insiders believe Hartley has already been told he will be let go after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Red Bull Racing consultant Dr Helmut Marko admitted the team had been looking at replacements for Hartley back in May until the New Zealander qualified 12th for the Canadian Grand Prix and importantly out-performed Toro Rosso team-mate Pierre Gasly.

Gasly will be having his last race for the Italian team at Abu Dhabi. He has been given an internal promotion to Red Bull’s senior team to replace Australian star Daniel Ricciardo who is heading to Renault.

Daniil Kvyat has been announced as Gasly’s replacement but plans are yet to be confirmed for the second car and the team is remaining tight-lipped on the possibility of a replacement or retaining Hartley.

Hartley has warmed up for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by going fast on two wheels when getting out on his mountain bike.