Kiwi Brendon Hartley confirmed for Toro Rosso for 2018

  • 17/11/2017
Hartley has featured at three races to round out the year for the Italian team.
Hartley has featured at three races to round out the year for the Italian team. Photo credit: Getty

New Zealand's Brendon Hartley has been confirmed as a fulltime driver for Toro Rosso for the 2018 Formula 1 season.

Hartley will take his place alongside Frenchman Pierre Gasly for the Italian team's campaign next year after making his debut at the US Grand Prix in late October, calling news of his permanent gig "amazing".

"It’s very satisfying to have converted an opportunity that came as a surprise into a 2018 F1 drive, I couldn’t be happier. Dreams can come true," said the 28-year-old in a statement.

"I’m now going to carry on working harder than ever in order to finish this busy end of season on a high and start the new year as strong as possible. Bring it."

 

Hartley will close out the season in Abu Dhabi next weekend for his fourth career F1 drive after becoming the first New Zealander to race in F1 since 1984.

Toro Rosso's Team Principal, Franz Tost, noted the clear development the two new drivers had shown after stepping in on short notice.

Despite minimal preparation, he believes Gasly and Hartley have proven that they both have the talent to flourish in motorsport's premier class.

"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," Tost said.

"We have been truly impressed by their steep learning curves. As we know, F1 is something that not all drivers can adapt to this fast!"

"We’re looking forward to having a full year with them; one where we can hopefully provide them with a good package which, combined with driver consistency, can surely put them in the best possible situation to deliver."

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