Candidates line up to replace Hartley
- Published on 08 Jun 2018 10:54
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- By: Jeroen Jonkers
The candidates may be piling up, but Brendon Hartley is for now sidestepping rumours he is set to be replaced at Toro Rosso.
In recent days, McLaren junior Lando Norris was linked with the Red Bull-owned team, as New Zealander Hartley struggles.
But another candidate could be Daniil Kvyat, who after his departure from Toro Rosso has suddenly turned up in the Montreal paddock.
"I've never been as well as now," the Russian is quoted as saying.
But sources indicate that Kvyat is merely in Canada as Ferrari's reserve driver, while Antonio Giovinazzi prepares for Le Mans.
Yet another candidate is Robert Kubica.
"I have some insider information, let's say it like that," Russian rally driver Aleksey Lukyanuk told SportFM.
"The manager of our team, who helps us with sponsors, used to work with Kubica. He says Robert is sparing no preparation for formula one."
But for now, Hartley says he is unfazed.
"This is the second weekend I've been asked about rumours," he said in Canada. "They're not worth commenting on. You always have them in formula one.
"I have a contract and I know the terms and I know what my speed and my abilities are. In Monaco I was not lucky in qualifying, but overall I had a good weekend.
"I haven't talked to Franz Tost but honestly I'm totally focused on the weekend and don't see the point of discussing what you want to discuss," Hartley added.
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Replies (9)
Login to replyxoya
Posts: 583
Sorry Hartley, but I would love to see Kubica back on the race track.
Major Tom
Posts: 152
I confess I would to. I do feel however that Hartley hasn't has been given a fair chance because he has been very unlucky with reliability and other events. For instance, he was in no way responsible for Leclerc's brakes failing at Monaco and the subsequent crash. Perhaps unlucky drivers can't expect to be tolerated in F1 for long though.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Calm your beeks, my dear vultures. There isnt even a corpse for you here yet. And its not like Hartley did bad in Monaco. The only reason he wasnt within reach of points was a whole lot of bad luck.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
haha right? I do have to say, however, that the rumor regarding Norris seems to be true, Mclaren even issued a statement about it. I hope Hartley has a breakthrough moment, I keep hoping. But time's running out and he hasn't shown any flashes of brilliance. Red Bull won't keep a mere midfield driver.
xoya
Posts: 583
Stats paint a solid picture, but it's the subjective feeling that is bad with Hartley. At least for me.
Somehow he always looks worse than he really is. Probably down to the fact that Gasly is way better than him.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I completely agree with you Xoya, somehow, he manages to look bad despite not always being bad. Mind, I think Norris would be a better pick. Im not as impressed by Hartley as I am with Gasly, but then again Hartley has had some bad luck this season.
Major Tom
Posts: 152
As said above Hartley does appear to be an 'unlucky' driver in many ways. Certainly one of these ways is that Gasly has turned out to be very fast and competent and has 'hit the track running'. The comparison cannot help but be damaging.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
It has certainly been worsened by the fact that he has been paired with a very competent driver. But he doesnt seem half shabby. I think RB will give him more time, but the pressure could be on for him.
Norbert
Posts: 108
Fingers crossed for Brendon Hartley to reach Q2 in Canada. What's that real estate saying? Location, location, location.