1
Brendon Hartley believes that a tough first four races in Formula 1 was the perfect way for him to experience the sport first hand. The Kiwi was drafted in by Toro Rosso for the US Grand Prix before closing out the season with the Red Bull junior team.
The 28-year-old will race full-time next year alongside Pierre Gasly after six years in the World Endurance Championship. Hartley's first four races in F1 were a rough affair, with a number of engine penalties demoting him to the back of the field after qualifying.
He failed to pick up any points in a Toro Rosso that struggled at the back end of the 2017 season. However, Hartley believes that he learned valuable information to take with him into 2018, when Toro Rosso will partner Honda.
"The learning process was steep and very important. It was tough. I’m not going to lie, especially with eight weekends on the trot," he said at the FIA Prize Giving Gala in Paris on Friday night.
"That was a good experience for me, to learn what that takes out of you and what areas you need to improve. That was the perfect introduction into Formula 1 in terms of preparing a season, having some real racing experience to start next year.
"I’m looking forward to having a bit of a break, recharging the batteries, and coming back strong next year. I’m hearing a lot of positive things out of Toro Rosso and out of Honda. I can’t wait to work alongside them next year, and hopefully prove my worth in Formula 1," he added.
Fergal Walsh
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
M. Verstappen
C. Sainz jr
C. Leclerc
Bahrain
United Arab Emirates
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
Australia
Albert Park
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
Monaco
Monte Carlo
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Austria
Red Bull Ring
United Kingdom
Silverstone
Hungary
Hungaroring
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
Netherlands
Circuit Zandvoort
Italy
Monza
Azerbaijan
Baku City Circuit
Singapore
Marina Bay Street Circuit
United States of America
Circuit of the Americas
Mexico
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Brazil
Interlagos
United States of America
Las Vegas Street Circuit
United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Circuit
United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Circuit
67,362 comments on Alpha Tauri
3 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Pierre Gasly 128,738 comments on Honda 9 members have this team as their favourite Tweets about Honda
Replies (1)
Login to replyBarron
Posts: 625
Not sure he’s on a par with previous RB juniors. Successful in WEC sure but it’s s completely different mental discipline. F1 is a pressure cooker..