Toro Rosso confirms Hartley and Gasly for 2018

After making their F1 debuts this year in Malaysia and Texas respectively, Pierre Galsy and Brendon Hartley will continue together, as teammates, in 2018.

Next week’s Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi will be Galsy's fifth F1 weekend and Brendon’s fourth, gaining vital experience in order to start next season with already a good understanding of the sport and, at the same time, getting to know the team better.

"We’re really happy to have Pierre and Brendon confirmed so early by Red Bull as our drivers for 2018”, commented our Team Principal, Franz Tost.

"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; one where we can hopefully provide them with a good package which, combined with driver consistency, can surely put them in the best possible situation to deliver.

"I’m sure they will keep pushing hard and fight for strong results, together with the team."

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After winning the 2016 GP2 championship, 21-year-old Pierre Gasly had been patiently waiting in the Red Bull wings for a promotion to F1 which finally came in Malaysia.

"I’m super happy to race for Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2018, for my first proper season in Formula 1," said Gasly.

"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!"

Kiwi Brendon Hartley exiled himself to the World Endurance Championship with Porsche after pretty much giving up on his hopes of embarking on a career in F1. But the 27-year-old eventually got the call to step up to the big time;

"Really amazing to be confirmed as a Formula 1 driver for next year with Toro Rosso," said Hartley, who wraps up his career with Porsche this weekend in Bahrain.

"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!"

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