Scuderia Toro Rosso’s Brendon Hartley experienced a whirlwind 2017 on the track thanks to his Formula 1 baptism, maiden Le Mans victory and second FIA World Endurance Championship. Not only that, in the offseason he managed to find time to fit in a wedding back home in New Zealand as well as a rigorous gym routine to help prepare him for his first full F1 season.
Red Bull Media House caught up with the 28-year-old driver on all that.
You’ve spent some of your off-season getting married. How special was that?
It was really nice. I go home to New Zealand every year for Christmas, which is probably the time of year I cherish the most. I don’t really get homesickness anymore but I really make the most of going home and enjoying New Zealand, and this year we got married. What was really nice about it was that we invited a lot of our friends from Europe.
Were you able to let your hair down with a big season ahead?
I think I realised when I got home and decided to relax how tired I was at the end of last season, so for anyone who followed will know that I did eight races in a row from weekend to weekend and I don’t know how many hours I spent travelling and time-zones I crossed but it’s fair to say I was pretty tired at the end of it. Honestly, looking back, I needed those two weeks to switch off and relax. Part of relaxing for me is riding my bike so yeah, it was still some training in there but I’d say the last month or so I’ve hit the training really hard. I’m feeling really fit and healthy; it’s amazing what a difference two months can make in terms of how you feel.
What has been your off-season training regime?
I’d say the last month or so I’ve hit the training really hard. I’m feeling really fit and healthy – it’s amazing what a difference two months can make in terms of how you feel. Cycling is the thing I enjoy the most, but I’ve tried to cut back a little bit and spend a bit more time in the gym. Get big for the summer! These Formula 1 cars are pretty physical to drive so I’ve been working on my neck, all my upper body strength and core.
The Australian Grand Prix marks the start of your first full F1 season, how special is that to you?
It’s huge. There were a few milestones last year: winning Le Mans, another FIA World Endurance Championship, and then my Formula 1 debut which was already a big moment for me. This year again will be the first full season, which is what I’ve dreamt of all my life. Now it’s proving I deserve to be there and hopefully a few successful years to come.
Do you expect some fellow Kiwis to come over to support you?
When I was home in New Zealand, every second or third person I ran into told me they were coming to Melbourne and they’d be there supporting me with the New Zealand flag. It’s going to be quite special looking around the crowd and seeing a few New Zealand flags. I’ve never had that before and it’s the closest I’ve raced to home for a long, long time.
What are your expectations for Australia and the rest of the season ahead?
Everyone’s very optimistic and very positive. I hope that we’re consistently scoring in the points with my first points in Melbourne the goal. I’m in the best shape I’ve been in and I feel really confident and positive when I see all the team of people around me.
Can you describe the transition from testing to racing?
The transition from testing to race season goes very quick. From the second Barcelona test, I’m on the road for forty-five days and that will be a similar story for the majority of the race team, so it really kicks into action and will be relentless for the entire year. I’m feeling very ready, the best shape I’ve been in and I feel really confident and positive when I see all the team of people around me.
My new 2018 Bell race helmet.
Another big shout out to @helmartdesign for the awesome job on the paint ?@ToroRosso @GiltrapGroup pic.twitter.com/75ys5KR5g9— Brendon Hartley (@BrendonHartley) March 1, 2018
