Hartley wants to prove he belongs
Palmerston North Formula One driver Brendon Hartley is keeping his powder bone-dry before next weekend’s Australian Grand Prix.
The 28-year-old heads to Melbourne this week to start his first full season in the sport with Toro Rosso – and wants to retain the nononsense approach that earned him the seat in the first place.
‘‘Of course, becoming an F1 driver was a dream come true but now I want to prove I belong here,’’ Hartley said. ‘‘That will take even more hard work and dedication and support from the ones around me.’’
Hartley’s F1 shot came as a result of a late call-up last year to replace Carlos Sainz for the last four races.
‘‘It all happened very quickly with little or no time to prepare,’’ Hartley said. ‘‘On the other hand I felt like I had been preparing for that all my life. I took a decision to keep it simple, not over think it and make sure I enjoy it.’’
There’s no doubt it’s a fairytale scenario for the New Zealander after being booted from the brand’s junior team in 2010.
But a stint in sportscars, including four seasons with Porsche in the World Endurance Championship, brought him not only two titles and a Le Mans win, but the hybrid engine systems experience important for F1.
‘‘Representing Porsche at Le Mans came with huge pressure, and I was lucky enough to work alongside some of the best drivers and engineers you can find, and in my eyes this experience has prepared me well,’’ he said.
In four races with Toro Rosso last year, 13th on debut in the USA was his standout result, with power unit issues forcing retirements in Mexico and Brazil.
But Hartley’s pure pace, economical use of fuel and technical feedback was said to be world class by team insiders – paving the way for a full season.
The 28-year-old finished 13th fastest in pre-season testing, but his Toro Rosso team completed the third highest amount of laps – an incredible stat given new power unit partner Honda’s previous struggles with reliability.
Fitness-wise, Hartley is ready for next weekend in Melbourne, but his toughest test will come much later, in September – at the sport’s original night race, the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix.
For the fans, it’s a mix of F1 under lights, top international artists (last year’s headliners included Calvin Harris, Ariana Grande, OneRepublic, and more), race-themed activities, cool bars and hawker-style eateries.
For the drivers, it’s a serious test of human endurance with cockpit temperatures reaching 55degC at racing speeds, made only worse by three layers of fireproof clothing and a helmet. As a result the drivers will lose up to 3kg in fluid over a two-hour period.
‘‘I’m fitter than I ever have been, but there is no hiding the fact that modern F1 cars put brutal demands on the body,’’ Hartley said.