More of the F1 2018 driver jigsaw falls into place

Toro Rosso has announced it is to retain Brendon Hartley and Pierre Gasly as its driver pairing for the 2018 Formula 1 season.

Both joined the team mid-2017 season, with Gasly replacing Daniil Kvyat from the Malaysian Grand Prix and Hartley filling in for Gasly at the following round at COTA, while the Frenchman on Super Formula duties. 

Hartley has since wrapped up the World Endurance Championship alongside two further Grands Prix outings, and had been linked to an IndyCar move since Porsche’s withdrawal.

Team Principal, Franz Tost said: “During this last part of the year they’ve shown that they’re ready for F1, 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 both their steep learning curves. 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.”

The announcement leaves vacant seats only at Sauber and alongside Lance Stroll at Williams. Kvyat, dropped by Red Bull, has been linked with Williams along with Paul di Resta, Robert Kubica and Pascal Wehrlein now Felipe Massa has retired.

Read more: How good was Hartley at COTA?