Hartley’s sights now set on 2018

Brendon Hartley is hoping the lessons of his first four Formula One races will set him up well for his first full season of racing in

2018.

He finished 15th at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, won by Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas, yesterday.

The Kiwi driver, who was forced to retire from his last two races with engine issues, was locked into an enthralling battle for 13th to 15th place in the latter stages of the race at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Kevin Magnussen (Haas) ended up holding his place in 13th ahead of Pascal Wehrlein (Sauber) and Hartley (Toro Rosso).

For Hartley, it was a solid climb up the field after starting the race

20th on the grid after yet another team grid penalty for exceeding the limit on engine changes.

But his finish, and team-mate Pierre Gasly’s 16th, was not enough for Toro Rosso to retain sixth spot in the constructors standings.

Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg came in sixth to ensure his team leaped ahead of Toro Rosso.

Hartley said it was tough to see his team lose a spot in the constructors’ championship.

‘‘It was always going to be an uphill struggle for us to hang on to that sixth place in the championship and it’s a real shame to lose it,’’ he said.

‘‘I’m obviously massively disappointed.’’

But he was pleased with his effort in the race.

‘‘I had a pretty clean race. I was in a train of cars – a McLaren, a Haas, a Sauber, myself and Pierre behind.

‘‘It’s just very tricky to overtake here with these big downforce cars.

‘‘It’s been a massive learning curve for me during these last few weeks and I’m well overdue a holiday.

‘‘I’m looking forward to recovering, having some down time, preparing well for 2018 and coming back even stronger for my first full F1 season.’’