Hartley frustrated about speculation on future
NEW Zealand driver Brendon Hartley has vented his frustrations about his future in Formula One.
Hartley started last on the grid for the US Grand Prix in Texas yesterday, after his Toro Rosso team was relegated for exceeding the allowable number of engine changes this season.
However, he made the most of a firstlap crash ahead of him to improve to 11th on the road. He was subsequently elevated two places when drivers ahead of him were disqualified.
Speculation continues about his future with Toro Rosso after picking up just four championship points so far this season. Many commentators expect him to be replaced for 2019.
Hartley made a brief comment after yesterday’s race.
‘‘Obviously, having to answer questions about my future every week . . . is getting increasingly annoying and I’ve read in the media that I have to beat my teammate [Pierre Gasly] and I was ahead in Singapore until team orders, I was ahead in Russia until the car broke down, I was ahead in Suzuka in qualifying and I was ahead today, so let’s see what happens.’’
Toro Rosso teammate Gasly finished 12th yesterday.
Hartley was happy with his effort.
‘‘It was a good race, pretty happy with that, did some really good passes, great first lap, did everything I could with the pace and P10 [10th place] was a bit far away.
‘‘Obviously it’s a bit annoying . . . and starting last you always think what could have been.’’
Three rounds remain this season. — RNZ