Hartley: “The beginnings were difficult”

Brendon Hartley was not varnished for its debut in F1 with Toro Rosso. Often condemned to the back of the grid for replacements of Power Unit elements, the reigning champion of WEC with Porsche suffered two retirements due to mechanical problems in Mexico and Brazil. Out of his four starts, his best result remains a 13th place acquired during his first outing in the USA.

The learning was all the more difficult as the New Zealander's program was particularly busy at the end of the year with an engagement (and a victory) at Petit Le Mans (Georgia) with ESM and its obligations in the World ChampionshipEndurance.

“The learning process was sudden and very important. The beginnings were difficult, I'm not going to deny it, especially with eight weekends to go, confided Brendon Hartley during the FIA ​​Gala held last Friday in Versailles. It was a good experience, learning how much you have to give of yourself and in which areas to progress. It was a perfect introduction to F1 in terms of preparing for the season ahead by having real racing experience. »

Brendon Hartley will take advantage of the winter break to regain his strength. The winner of the last edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is optimistic for the next season as Toro Rosso abandons the engines Renault for Honda Power Units.

“It will be good to take a break to come back in good shape next year. I have heard a lot of positive things about the partnership between Toro Rosso and Honda. I'm really looking forward to working alongside them and hope to prove my worth in F1.", added the New Zealander.