After his baptism of fire in Austin, Brendon Hartley isn't forcing the issue when it comes to racing or not with Toro Rosso in Mexico next weekend.

The F1 rookie acquitted himself well in Austin for his maiden Grand Prix experience, keeping his nose clean and out of trouble for a run to P13, some 27 seconds behind team mate Dany Kvyat.

Red Bull's Helmut Marko now finds himself with three drivers - Kvyat, Hartley and Pierre Gasly - and two seats for next weekend, but the Kiwi isn't losing any sleep over the prospect of heading south or heading home.

"Up until this moment I haven't been asking the question," said the 27-year-old.

"And it was the same when they called me up to do a simulator test. I didn't want to know, I just did the job, and that's how I've taken this weekend.

"I've actually been really relaxed and I'm happy I did it that way. I guess now there might be some conversations. I really don't know. You'll have to ask them."

The Porsche factory driver certainly had his work cut out for him with so much to learn and take in. Regardless of the outcome, it was a highly positive experience.

"So many experiences I can take going forward, if I get an opportunity," he said.

"At the end of the last stint I started to understand a bit more, and was pretty happy with the performance.

"There's always things you can do better. If I was to do the race again tomorrow, with the experience I've gained, I would do some of it a bit differently."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

14 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

16 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

17 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

19 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

21 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

21 hours ago