Hartley: Performances show credentials for F1 future

Toro Rosso’s Brendon Hartley believes his recent performances have displayed his credentials amid ongoing doubts over his Formula 1 future.

Hartley’s future has continued to be the subject of speculation with Formula 2 frontrunner Alexander Albon understood to be in contention for the sole-remaining seat at Toro Rosso for 2019 alongside the returning Daniil Kvyat.

Red Bull motorsport advisor recently set Hartley the target of beating his teammate Pierre Gasly in the remaining rounds of the season.

Hartley recovered from a back-of-the grid start to finish 11th on the road during Sunday’s United States Grand Prix, before being promoted into ninth place when Esteban Ocon and Kevin Magnussen were disqualified for fuel irregularities.

"I am happy with the last races but obviously having to answer questions about my future every week, which is getting increasingly annoying,” Hartley said following the race and prior to his promotion.

“I've read in the media that I have to beat my team-mate [Pierre Gasly] and I was ahead in Singapore before team orders, I was ahead in Russia before the car broke down, I was ahead in Suzuka in qualifying and I was ahead here.

“So let’s see what happens."

Ninth place marked the Kiwi’s third points finish of the season and his best result in F1 to date. Red Bull-bound Gasly was three places behind Hartley in Austin, before he also benefitted from the post-race exclusions to move up two positions.

After learning of the new race result, Hartley tweeted: “P20-P9 and two more points on the board.

“Good overtakes, tyre management, communication from the pits, strategy and pit stop. With the pace our car had in the race this was the maximum we could do.

“Very happy with my race. I’m fighting.”