Brendon Hartley replaces Pierre Gasly in Austin

A time of expectation, to know if Pierre Gasly would participate in the last round of Super Formula at Suzuka on October 22nd. Ultimately, the 2016 GP2 Series winner will indeed go to defend his title chances, leaving his seat free in Austin. Following this announcement, questions have been widespread about who will be Daniil Kvyat’s teammate.

The first New Zealander in F1 in 33 years!

Toro Rosso has finally set its sights on Brendon Hartley! The 27-year-old New Zealand driver is not unknown in the Red Bull orbit. Indeed, he went through the Austrian pipeline as a reserve driver for Red Bull and Toro Rosso until 2009, where he conducted two days of testing in Jerez.

Eight years later, Hartley is going to participate in his first Grand Prix. He becomes the 9th driver from New Zealand to take part in a Formula 1 race. The most recent was Mike Thackwell in 1984.

And naturally, he’s a proud and happy driver: What an incredible feeling! This opportunity is a bit of a surprise, but I never gave up my ambition and childhood dream of reaching F1. I’ve grown and learned so much since the time I was a reserve driver for Red Bull and Toro Rosso. Through those tough years I’ve been through, they made me stronger and even more determined. I want to extend a big thank you to Red Bull for making this possible and to Porsche for allowing me to do it alongside the Endurance Championship. COTA (Austin) is a track I enjoy and have raced on recently. I try not to have too many expectations for my F1 debut, but I feel ready. Dream big pic.twitter.com/2ZpHGagk5p — Brendon Hartley (@BrendonHartley) October 13, 2017

Brendon Hartley was able to climb the ranks by winning, among other things, the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup in 2007. In 2014, he was called by Porsche to become an official driver, during the major return of the German manufacturer in Endurance in the LMP1 category. A year later in 2015, he became World Endurance Champion alongside Mark Webber and Timo Bernhard.

2017, the year of glory?

In 2017, the New Zealander achieved consecration by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside his compatriot Earl Bamber and Timo Bernhard. It was an exceptional year for him, as he won Petit Le Mans in IMSA on October 8th driving the Nissan Onroak Dpi alongside Scott Sharp and Ryan Dalziel. A week later, he joined the exclusive circle of drivers who have competed in Formula 1. This announcement was very well received by his fellow drivers. For instance, Mark Webber, his former teammate at Porsche and former Red Bull driver, expressed his support.

Massive year son, and it continues, congrats @BrendonHartley on F1 debut next weekend. 🏎💨👏 pic.twitter.com/pubgy9qx8d

— Mark Webber (@AussieGrit) 13 octobre 2017

Before flying off for this new experience in Austin, a circuit where he won with his crew last September during the 6th round of the World Endurance Championship, Brendon Hartley will take the wheel of the Porsche 919 Hybrid for the 6 Hours of Fuji this Sunday.