©WRI2
Brendon Hartley has emerged as the leading contender to replace Pierre Gasly at Toro Rosso for next week's US Grand Prix in Austin.
With Carlos Sainz moving to Renault and Gasly returning to Japan to compete for the title in the final round of the Super Formula series, the Faenza-based outfit is bringing back Dany Kvyat but still has a seat on offer for Austin.
Team boss Franz Tost is keen to evaluate a driver for 2018 and Kiwi Brendon Harltley is apparently a favourite to fill the interim seat.
The 27-year-old and Porsche factory driver is no stranger to F1, having been Red Bull's reserve driver in 2009 and 2010 before he was dropped from the company's driver development program.
Hartley also ran with Mercedes in a young driver test at Magny Cours in 2012.
It could be a busy two weeks for Hartley as he'll be racing with Porsche at Fuji in the World Endurance Championship, and competing for the category's title.
Negotiations are likely underway between all relevant parties to smooth out contractual issues to enable Hartley to compete with Toro Rosso in Austin.
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem expects Formula 1 to conclude its 2026 season in Qatar…
Formula 1’s battle over fuel flow monitoring has spilled into the courtroom, with former supplier…
Barcelona has found a high-profile alternative to Formula 1 for 2027, with the Circuit de…
Christian Horner has revealed in his upcoming autobiography, Drive, that a “secret meeting” with Lewis…
He wasn't as flamboyant behind the wheel of a racing car as his countryman Ronnie…
Kimi Antonelli could be just one race away from an extraordinary Formula 1 milestone, but…