Formula 1: Toro Rosso manager Graham Watson signals support for underfire Brendon Hartley

Toro Rosso's team manager Graham Watson’s backing Kiwi Brendan Hartley to stay on as one of their Formula 1 drivers, but accepts the final decision may be out of the team’s hands.

After it was revealed McLaren rejected an approach from Red Bull for Lando Norris to replace Hartley for the rest of the season, the 28-year-old’s latest race retirement couldn’t have come at a worse time.

But Pukekohe-born Watson says Toro Rosso are still backing Hartley.

"We want him to be successful," Watson told Newshub.

"As a Toro Rosso team we are 100 per cent behind Brendon."

But the team’s support alone might not be enough.

As a feeder team to Red Bull, Toro Rosso are at the mercy of what their senior team wants.

"The drivers are predominantly controlled by Red Bull and then we as a team are the guys who work with these two guys and try and make them have the ability to be a world champion in the future.

"We don’t have the actual control of what happens with our drivers in Toro Rosso."

It’s the second race weekend in a row where Hartley has failed to finish and the third time this season.

Just like Monaco, Hartley’s retirement was a cruel blow to his quest for a rare Formula 1 point.

Starting from 12th on the grid and showing good pace throughout the weekend, Hartley came unstuck when he thought he saw a gap on the inside of Williams’ Lance Stroll.

"Unfortunately for Brendon, with the luck he's been having at the moment he was at the wrong place at the wrong time," Watson noted.

Drivers put a lot of faith in each other when driving at speeds in excess of 200kmph.

A slight oversteer from Lance Stroll in Montreal saw his correction wedge Hartley into the wall. While race stewards found no one at fault, it somewhat epitomises Hartley’s run over the past two races.

"It's not been entirely Brendon’s fault; it’s just been difficult to put a full weekend together for him without any sort of interference from either reliability of car setup issues deficiencies.

While Watson was quick to defend Hartley’s performance, he recognises the pressure that’s mounting on his compatriot.

"Like anything in life - you’ve got to be showing results to be in a safe place," he added.

"I think if you look back at the Red Bull history, it’s clear that they have goals and want to achieve it. But it’s not really for me to say. Those decisions will be made at a much higher level in the company."

Watson referred to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen as an example.

Prior to this weekend, the Dutchman had experienced issues through all six races. However, a third place in Canada eased the pressure.

It’s a blueprint Hartley can follow. A strong weekend in France could be just what the doctor ordered.

After a rest tonight, of course.

Newshub.