'I'd done everything I could' – Brendon Hartley on Formula 1 axing

December 17, 2018

The Kiwi driver was dropped by Italian team Toro Rosso at the end last season.

Kiwi driver Brendon Hartley has spoken out about his recent sacking by Formula 1 side Toro Rosso, having returned home to New Zealand for the holiday period.

After a season dogged by car issues, 29-year old Hartley was last month axed by Toro Rosso , replaced by Thai-British driver Alexander Albon for the 2019 Formula 1 season.

Speaking to 1 NEWS today, Hartley spoke candidly about having his Formula 1 driver's seat taken away from him, just halfway through his Toro Rosso contract.

"I was definitely disappointed after the final race in Abu Dhabi - to be told I wasn't gong to continue for next year," Hartley said.

Despite the disappointment though, Hartley is choosing to look back fondly on for what many drivers will only ever be a dream.

"But that being said, there's a lot for me to be positive about, happy about.

"I know that it's a dream for many, many drivers to even reach Formula 1, and I was given this huge opportunity that most people don't get, and I didn't see coming a year and a half ago.

"I did hold my head high when I left the paddock on that Sunday evening, I knew that I'd done everything I could.

"I was proud of what I did, I evolved through the year, I got better and better and finished the season very strong."

Hartley was also optimistic that despite losing his seat with Toro Rosso, life in Formula 1 may not be over.

"There's 20 seats in Formula 1, it can be musical chairs at times.

"I'm now a driver that has a full season under my belt, I've got my super license which is pretty hard to come by.

"You just never know what happens."

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