Hartley: 'Silly' to comment on Toro Rosso F1 rumours

Brendon Hartley has responded to reports Toro Rosso looked to replace him for the remainder of the Formula 1 season with McLaren youngster Lando Norris by saying it is “silly for me to comment on rumours.”

Hartley has scored just one point so far this season with Toro Rosso, with his failure to match teammate Pierre Gasly’s results leading to speculation ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix his seat could be at risk.

Reports emerged earlier this week claiming Toro Rosso had in fact approached McLaren about signing Formula 2 racer Norris on loan in place of Hartley, potentially starting as early as the Austrian Grand Prix later this month.

However, this proposal was rejected by McLaren, with sources indicating to Crash.net that any possible deal for Norris to drive to Toro Rosso is extremely unlikely this year.

Hartley hit back at the rumours by saying he had a firm contract in place with Toro Rosso, as well as expressing self-confidence in his displays so far this season.

“It’s the second grand prix in a row I’ve been responding the rumours. But it’s not really interesting for me to comment,” Hartley said.

“I know what my contract says. I’m very confident in the work I’ve been doing behind the scenes with Toro Rosso to develop the car. Things didn’t really go my way in Monaco qualifying, but I felt pretty strong all weekend. I’m going to take the same approach this weekend.

“I don’t think it makes a lot of sense to comment on rumours. There always seems to be rumours in Formula 1. Anyway, like I say, I know what my contract says, and I know the work I am doing behind the scenes. I know I have the ability to be here and doing a good job in Formula 1.

"I don’t have the points on the board, but I know it’s possible. I think it’s silly for me to comment on rumours, as that’s all they are."

Asked if the team had spoken to him about the stories, Hartley said it had not been discussed, and was unlikely to be.

“I haven’t actually spoken to Franz [Tost, team principal] yet. To be honest with you, I’m focused on this weekend,i t doesn’t even make sense to have the conversation,” Hartley said.

“Like I say, I have a contract to be here, and I’m looking forward to the next races, especially with the updates we have planned.”