Toro Rosso has announced a new line-up for next year Formula 1 championship. Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley will be replacing Renault-bound Carlos Sainz and Daniil Kvyat. The new team will join the Abu Dahbi circuit next weekend.
Franz Tost, team lead for Toro Rosso, expressed his views, “We’re really happy to have Pierre and Brendon confirmed so early by Red Bull as our drivers for 2018. 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”
“I’m sure they will keep pushing hard and fight for strong results, together with the team.”
Pierre Gasly, 21, who joined Red Bull’s junior team in 2014 and won GP2 Championship in 2016, expressed his feeling regarding the opportunity that Toro Rosso is providing him with.
“I’m super happy to race for Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2018, for my first proper season in Formula 1,” he said.
“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!”
Hartley Formula 1 career was considered done when he was removed from Red Bull junior team in 2010. But he responded back with two WEC Championship trophies of 2015 and 2017, which made his way back to Formula 1
“Really amazing to be confirmed as a Formula 1 driver for next year with Toro Rosso,” he said.
“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!”
