Hartley seals his drive for 2018 F1 season

Dale Budge Formula One team Toro Rosso have confirmed New Zealand driver Brendon Hartley will drive full-time for them next year.

Hartley, 27, and fellow rookie Pierre Gasly’s roles were confirmed yesterday. “We’re really happy to have Pierre and Brendon confirmed so early by Red Bull as our drivers for 2018,” team principal Franz Tost said.

“During this last part of the year they’ve shown that they’re ready for Formula 1, getting to grips with the car quickly, showing good performances and always demonstrating to be prepared for the challenge. We have been truly impressed by both their steep learning curves.”

Tost confirmed last month that Russian driver Daniil Kvyat had left the Red Bull-owned team, and was now a free agent.

The Manawatu-born Hartley has started three times for Toro Rosso this year — becoming the first New Zealand to race in F1 since 1984 — but dropped out of two races with engine problems and finished 13th in the other.

The team will switch from Renault to Honda engines in 2018.

“It’s very satisfying to have converted an opportunity that came as a surprise into a 2018 F1 drive — I couldn’t be happier,” Hartley said.

“Dreams can come true.” With a Le Mans 24 Hours title and world endurance championship already under his belt, Hartley will take part in next week’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the last race of 2017, before kicking on to the 2018 season at the Australian Grand Prix in March.