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Brendon Hartley says that he will only be focusing on Formula 1 in 2018 after securing a full-time seat. The Kiwi made his F1 debut at the US Grand Prix last year, when Toro Rosso needed a replacement for Pierre Gasly who was competing at the Super Formula finale.
Soon after, Red Bull's junior team announced that Hartley and Gasly would form its 2018 line-up. Hartley has been contesting in the World Endurance Championship for the last six years but says that his sole focus this year will be on F1.
"I will still have an association with Porsche but I won't be doing any races other than Formula 1, which I think is the sensible thing for me to do because I need to be fully focused," he said.
"I am going to spend all my energy and time on being fit enough, going into the races fresh, sharp and putting every effort into making this season work. It is a massive opportunity that I have got there," the 28-year-old added.
Hartley had a very wedged schedule towards the end of 2017, but now knows the importance of prioritising one series: "In previous years I have tried to compete in every single race I could," he admitted. "But I have a big challenge ahead. I am very aware of that."
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A sound move when you get into a new series for the first time. 'sides, judging from what we saw in 2017, even when taking downclocked Renault units into consideration, both STR drivers will most definitely need to focus on F1 and on improving. I dont really expect STR to be good next year, but I think we'll be able to see two things in STR next year:
A. If Honda has improved enough to overtake Renault, be it in reliability, power or efficiency (either of the three affect the other two, so gaining in just one will mean progress in the others)
B. If Red Bull's new juniors are worth keeping, or if it was a mistake to ditch Kvyat for two rookies
And thats really all Red Bull need from their little labrat team.