Toro Rosso announced that Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley will form its driver line-up for the 2018 Formula 1 season. After making their Formula 1 debuts this year in Malaysia and Texas respectively, both drivers will continue together, as teammates, in the new year.
Next week’s Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi will be Pierre’s fifth Formula 1 weekend and Brendon’s fourth, gaining vital experience in order to start the 2018 season with already a good understanding of the sport and, at the same time, getting to know the team better.
“We’re really happy to have Pierre and Brendon confirmed so early by Red Bull as our drivers for 2018”, commented Team Principal, Franz Tost. “During this last part of the year, 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. 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! Therefore, 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. I’m sure they will keep pushing hard and fight for strong results, together with the team.”
Pierre Gasly:
“I’m super happy to race for Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2018, for my first proper season in Formula 1. I would like to thank all the people involved, who helped me get here: Red Bull, Toro Rosso, my family and all the ones who have supported me in the lower series. I’m really excited and super motivated to give it my all in Abu Dhabi and the whole of next year! I just can’t wait!”
?2017: 2nd Super Formula
?2016: GP2 Champion
?2014: 2nd Formula Renault 3.5
?2013: FRenault 2.0 ChampionExcited for the next challenges. ? pic.twitter.com/3fR5hwEe1e
— Pierre Gasly ?? (@PierreGASLY) October 25, 2017
Brendon Hartley:
“Really amazing to be confirmed as a Formula 1 driver for next year with Toro Rosso. It’s very satisfying to have converted an opportunity that came as a surprise into a 2018 F1 drive. I couldn’t be happier! I’d like to thank Red Bull and Toro Rosso for believing in me and giving me this second chance – dreams can come true. 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!”
The final showdown for our @porsche 919. We won’t leave anything on the table and will enjoy every last lap!! ? pic.twitter.com/D7byVi4evY
— Brendon Hartley (@BrendonHartley) November 15, 2017
